The renowned Sutton Hoo burial site in Suffolk may hold the remains of soldiers recruited by the Byzantine Army, according to new research that challenges traditional views on its occupants.
A Fresh Perspective on Sutton Hoo’s History
Recent findings by an Oxford historian propose that individuals buried at Sutton Hoo may have served as mercenaries for the Byzantine Army in the eastern Mediterranean around 575 AD. This theory is based on the discovery of Byzantine artifacts at the site, which were previously believed to be diplomatic gifts.
Connecting the Dots: Byzantine Artifacts in Britain
During the COVID-19 pandemic, historian Helen Gittos analyzed distribution maps of copper items from the eastern Mediterranean that made their way to Britain around 600 AD. Intrigued by this pattern, she explored the possibility that these items were not just gifts but personal belongings of returning soldiers. Byzantine objects were first unearthed at Sutton Hoo in 1986, with additional discoveries in 2012.
Traditionally, Sutton Hoo—excavated in 1939 and often referred to as "England’s Valley of the Kings"—has been linked to King Raedwald of East Anglia, who died in 624 AD. However, Gittos’ research suggests some of the individuals buried there may have fought in the Byzantine Army and brought back war spoils, souvenirs, or looted items.
Rethinking Early Medieval Global Connections
Dr. Gittos argues that historians have overlooked the possibility of British soldiers joining Byzantine forces, focusing instead on recruits from Germany and France. She highlights how the early medieval world was far more interconnected than previously thought.
"I can’t say with absolute certainty that this is the case, but it’s an alternative way to view these individuals—as part of a larger, interconnected medieval world," she explained. "People in eastern Britain were not isolated; they engaged in extensive networks of trade, warfare, and diplomacy."
A Debate Among Experts
Angus Wainwright, a National Trust archaeologist, acknowledges Gittos’ theory as "plausible" but remains unconvinced. While Byzantine items have been found at Sutton Hoo, he believes they were likely prestigious gifts given to the East Anglian king rather than belongings of mercenaries.
"Most of the graves at Sutton Hoo were looted, so we are piecing together evidence from what remains. While some men in the royal court might have fought abroad and brought back treasures, that doesn’t necessarily mean the people in the graves were mercenaries themselves," he explained.
The Ongoing Mystery of Sutton Hoo
Archaeologists and historians continue to study the site, with ongoing research uncovering more clues about Britain’s connections to the wider medieval world. Laura Howarth, archaeology and engagement manager at Sutton Hoo, emphasizes that regardless of the specific origin of the artifacts, they reflect a deep cultural and political connection between East Anglia and the Byzantine world.
Sue Brunning, curator at the British Museum, calls the research "an exciting new perspective on Britain’s role in the early medieval global landscape," adding that Sutton Hoo has long demonstrated how both objects and ideas traveled vast distances.
As investigations continue, this new theory invites a broader discussion on the extent of Britain's involvement in international conflicts and trade during the early medieval period. The mystery of Sutton Hoo, it seems, is far from solved.
