Excavations and metal-detecting efforts at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England, have recently uncovered new fragments of a Byzantine bucket, providing fresh insights into this enigmatic sixth-century artifact.
According to CNN, the bucket, which originally came from Antioch in modern-day Turkey, features a North African hunting scene with Greek inscriptions that read, “Good health Master Count, for many happy years.”
These inscriptions have helped date the bucket to the sixth century.
The new fragments were discovered in June in Garden Field, and they add to pieces previously found in 1986 and 2012.
These earlier fragments, displayed at Sutton Hoo’s High Hall exhibition, depict a detailed hunting scene.
The latest findings offer additional pieces of the puzzle, revealing a hand from one of the bucket’s figures and suggesting that the vessel had been previously damaged and repaired, possibly even soldered together.
An archaeology and engagement manager for the National Trust at Sutton Hoo, Laura Howarth, described the ongoing research as piecing together a historical jigsaw puzzle.
The initial discovery of the bucket’s fragments was accidental, made by a tractor harrow in 1986.
Subsequent metal-detecting surveys revealed more parts, leading to the current in-depth analysis.
The research team is exploring whether the bucket was intentionally fragmented or if agricultural practices might have dispersed its pieces. They are also investigating the bucket’s purpose—whether it was a luxury item, a container for food, drink, or cremated remains.
Two other Byzantine buckets have been found in England, including the Breamore bucket, which also features Greek inscriptions and depicts armed warriors.
Analysis of the new fragments, using tools like X-ray fluorescence, has confirmed their connection to the Bromeswell bucket.
The project at Sutton Hoo, a collaboration between the National Trust, Field Archaeology Specialists and the British television show “Time Team,” aims to shed light on the prehistoric and early medieval history of the site.
Volunteers, including some from earlier Sutton Hoo excavations, have helped with metal detecting and 3D recording of recovered items.
The new finds will be featured in a ‘Time Team’ documentary early 2025, and the pieces will eventually be incorporated into the Sutton Hoo exhibition.
The project also complements ongoing efforts to reconstruct the famous Anglo-Saxon ship buried at Sutton Hoo.
Discovered between 1938 and 1939, the ship burial is one of only three known Anglo-Saxon ship burials. Likely the resting place of Raedwald of East Anglia, who died around 624, the burial site contained a 90-foot-long ship filled with treasures.
Although the ship’s wood has rotted away, its impression in the sand, along with iron rivets, remains. The site’s excavations have revealed a rich array of artifacts, including Byzantine silverware, precious jewelry, and garnets.
Future research at Sutton Hoo aims to deepen our understanding of the site’s broader history and its significance over time.
Howarth reflects, “I think it’s also quite nice that it does retain some of its mystery at the same time. Sometimes with these famous archaeological sites, I think people expect everyone to have all the answers. But there’s so many questions and answers that we still don’t know.”
