200 ancient Anlo-Saxon tombs were discovered in Oulton, county Suffolk, southern England in August last year. The tombs date back up to 1,400 years, and are buried in the form of a conventional burial or cremation before being placed in the grave.
Panorama of the incredible ancient tomb – (photo: Suffolk County Council).
When opening the ancient tombs of conventional burial, archaeologists were surprised to see that there were no remains inside the tomb, only the “ghost” of the deceased: a clear trace of a person who had just laid down. down to concave the sandy soil.
One of the “graves of ghosts” unearthed – (photo: Suffolk County Council).
Dr Andrew Peachey from Archaeologycal Solutions Ltd, which was commissioned to excavate, said the phenomenon of “ghost’s grave” has been recorded in several parts of the world. This only occurs in areas where the soil is highly acidic, combined with long burial times and primitive techniques – usually direct burial of the dead into the soil. The bones were completely decomposed by the acid in the soil, but preserved a ghost-like appearance of the person who had been in the grave.
A ceramic vase was unearthed at the ancient tomb – (photo: Suffolk County Council).
The ancient tombs belong to the earliest Anglo-Saxon settlers in England. They are a Germanic tribe, originating from Germany and Denmark, who settled on the island nation after the fall of the Roman Empire. They are the people who laid the foundation for modern Britain, so their relics are very treasured.
In the tombs, there are many precious artifacts, including ceramic vases and intact jewelry. This group of ancient tombs is considered a great “archaeological treasure”, providing many great clues to recreating the life of the ancient British.