1,300-Year-old Gold and Gemstone Necklace is the Richest Ever Uncovered in Britain

Archaeologists have unearthed an "incredible" 1,300-year-old necklace in Northamptonshire, England, found during excavations for a housing development.

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Researchers at the Museum of Antiquities in London said the necklace was the most beautiful necklace of its kind ever found in Britain. It features 30 stunning pendants and beads made of Roman coins, gold, onyx, glass and semi-precious stones.

It was found in the burial of a high-ranking woman, including other interesting items that are still under investigation. The collection is called "Harpole's Treasures" after the local parish. Experts believe this is the most important female burial of the period ever discovered in Britain.

“When shimmers of gold started to rise from the ground, we knew this was something important,” said MOLA Levante site supervisor Pence Palazz. "But we weren't quite sure how unique this was."

A rectangular cross-shaped pendant forms the centerpiece of the necklace and is the largest and most complex of the elements. The MOLA, made of red garnet inlaid with gold, is believed by experts to have been a half-hinged lock before it was reused.

X-rays taken on Earth revealed an even more interesting discovery. It is a stunning and intricately decorated crucifix, featuring a very unusual depiction of a silver human face.

Lumps of earth are now being excavated by MOLA Conservators, but these large ornate pieces suggest that women may have been early Christian leaders.

The skeleton itself was completely decomposed (with the exception of small fragments of tooth enamel). However, Harpole's treasure showed her to be a high-ranking noblewoman, such as an abbess or noblewoman, or both.

“Fortunately, we were able to use modern analytical techniques on the finds and burials around them to gain insight into the lives of these people and their final rituals.”

RPS Archaeological Consultant Simon Mortimer said: “This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime find. I have had the unique opportunity to explore the site by being involved in the excavation of the planned development. “Had they not funded this work, this extraordinary burial might never have been discovered.”

The hard work is done by the MOLA Conservatory for research and preservation. This includes identifying and recording traces of organic matter on the surface of burials and artifacts. The deceased may have been placed on a grave bed and traces of furniture may be found. The analysis can also detect residues that indicate how the tool was used in life and at funerals.

Surprisingly, the surroundings of the elite tomb were completely unremarkable. Another cemetery is located nearby, but it does not contain high-ranking grave goods and is dated inconclusively.

Similar necklaces from this period have been found earlier in other parts of England, but none are as lustrous as the Harpole necklace.

This discovery is very surprising and can reveal historical facts, that the life and civilization of ancient people can create and produce something very beautiful like this 1300 year necklace

source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/astonishing-1300-year-old-gold-and-gemstone-necklace-is-the-richest-ever-uncovered-in-britain/