Early Anglo-Saxon Cemeteries: Kinship, Community and Identity

This book explores over one hundred early Anglo-Saxon and Merovingian cemeteries, using a multi-dimensional methodology to move beyond artefacts and focus on the horizontal organisation of cemeteries from a holistic perspective. It highlights the importance of community in constructing family and community stories and emphasizes the use and reuse of cemetery spaces to emphasise different characteristics of the deceased.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of early Anglo-Saxon and Merovingian cemeteries, unveiling a profound perspective that goes beyond the mere examination of grave goods. Through a comprehensive exploration of over one hundred cemeteries, employing a multi-dimensional methodology, it offers a fresh and innovative approach to understanding the horizontal organization of these sacred spaces. By focusing on the physical act of digging a grave and arranging a body, the book sheds light on the intricate negotiations that took place to shape the layout of cemeteries. It reveals how these burial grounds became vessels for constructing family and community narratives, emphasizing the significance of community in the afterlife. This unique perspective foregrounds the role of individuals and their attitudes, lifeways, and lived experiences in shaping the cemetery landscape.

The book appeals to scholars of Anglo-Saxon studies, providing valuable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of these ancient societies. Moreover, archaeologists interested in mortuary spaces, communities, and social archaeology will find this work to be a treasure trove of information and inspiration.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of early Anglo-Saxon and Merovingian cemeteries, offering a fresh and dynamic perspective that challenges traditional notions of these burial grounds. It is a must-read for scholars and archaeologists alike, as it sheds light on the complex interplay between community, identity, and the afterlife.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526135568