Exploitation In Anglo Saxon Burial
Decapitation in Anglo-Saxon Burials
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Execution Burial Tendencies 2
Physical Struggle 2
Location of Skull 4 Location of Burial……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Non Execution Decapitation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………6 Loveden Hill……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Great Addington………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Chadlington……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Mitcham…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Purpose of Decapitation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Introduction
Decapitation in Anglo-Saxon burials is mainly interpreted as an act of punishment for criminals or defeated foes of war. There are many indications that support this idea in certain burials, including severe blows to the skull, as well as signs along the neck that indicate death by hanging, which can be found in execution cemeteries such as Mound five at Sutton Hoo. Other instances include mass graves (such as the one of Vikings) which have all been decapitated and thrown together. On the other hand, there are also many examples that do not follow the typical …show more content…
v This burial doesn’t demonstrate the usual characteristics of an execution. The head is placed by the stomach, which means it was strategically placed in the grave, as well as the urn which was on the shoulders where the head should be. Whatever pagan tradition was being followed, it is quite clear that the set-up of the body was designed in a way for some sort of representation, possibly religious sacrifice. The position of the head is the main hint as to what the purpose of the decapitation might have
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Execution Burial Tendencies 2
Physical Struggle 2
Location of Skull 4 Location of Burial……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Non Execution Decapitation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………6 Loveden Hill……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6 Great Addington………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Chadlington……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Mitcham…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Purpose of Decapitation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
Introduction
Decapitation in Anglo-Saxon burials is mainly interpreted as an act of punishment for criminals or defeated foes of war. There are many indications that support this idea in certain burials, including severe blows to the skull, as well as signs along the neck that indicate death by hanging, which can be found in execution cemeteries such as Mound five at Sutton Hoo. Other instances include mass graves (such as the one of Vikings) which have all been decapitated and thrown together. On the other hand, there are also many examples that do not follow the typical …show more content…
v This burial doesn’t demonstrate the usual characteristics of an execution. The head is placed by the stomach, which means it was strategically placed in the grave, as well as the urn which was on the shoulders where the head should be. Whatever pagan tradition was being followed, it is quite clear that the set-up of the body was designed in a way for some sort of representation, possibly religious sacrifice. The position of the head is the main hint as to what the purpose of the decapitation might have