The ship found in the movie The Dig was the Sutton Hoo Anglo-Saxon ship burial. This extraordinary discovery forms the central archaeological exploration depicted in the film.
The Discovery in The Dig
The film The Dig dramatizes the true story of the excavation of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial site at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England. This remarkable archaeological find took place on the eve of the Second World War, revealing significant insights into early Anglo-Saxon England.
Understanding the Sutton Hoo Ship Burial
The Sutton Hoo site is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in British history. It contained a ship that served as the burial chamber for a high-status individual, likely a king, from the 7th century. Although the wooden ship itself had disintegrated over time, its outline was preserved in the sand, allowing archaeologists to identify its original form and size.
The treasures unearthed from the burial mound provided invaluable information about Anglo-Saxon craftsmanship, trade networks, and social structures. The rich grave goods, including intricate gold and garnet jewelry, a ceremonial helmet, and silver vessels, are now housed and displayed at the British Museum.
Here are some key facts about the Sutton Hoo discovery:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Discovery Name | Sutton Hoo Ship Burial |
| Type | Anglo-Saxon burial site |
| Primary Feature | Imprint of a 90-foot long ship (the burial chamber) |
| Historical Period | Early 7th century (Anglo-Saxon) |
| Discovery Date | 1939 (on the eve of World War II) |
| Key Figures | Edith Pretty (landowner), Basil Brown (archaeologist) |
The Sutton Hoo find not only reshaped understanding of the "Dark Ages" but also captured the public imagination, underscoring the wealth and sophistication of Anglo-Saxon culture.
