A Race Against Time and Tides
In a stunning archaeological discovery, researchers have unearthed around 200 medieval skeletons on Whitesands Bay near St David’s, Wales. This find offers a rare glimpse into an early Christian community dating back to the sixth century.
A Sacred Resting Place Beneath the Sand
Just below the surface of what is now a popular beach, archaeologists have stumbled upon a burial site containing the remains of men, women, and children. The preservation of these bones is described as “absolutely incredible” due to their complete submersion in sand.
Clues to Ancient Christian Practices
The burial patterns provide valuable insights into early Christian traditions:
- All individuals were buried with their heads facing west
- No valuables were found with the bodies
- Some were interred in stone-lined cists
- Infant burials featured a unique touch: white quartz stones atop the cists
Erosion: Both Friend and Foe
Nature’s Revealing Hand
While natural erosion and storms have helped expose these burials since the 1920s, they now pose a threat to the site’s preservation. Recent severe weather events in 2013 and 2014 prompted rescue excavations, leading to the discovery of 90 burial sites.
The Race to Uncover History
Dyfed Archaeological Trust and the University of Sheffield are working diligently to unearth as much of the cemetery as possible before it’s lost to the sea. The current dig, set to conclude on July 16, aims to explore an intriguing stone structure that predates the burials.
A Snapshot of Medieval Life
This remarkable find offers archaeologists a unique opportunity to study a well-preserved medieval population in Wales, where such bone preservation is rare. As Jenna Smith from Dyfed Archaeological Trust puts it, “It gives that snapshot in time which we don’t normally get in Wales.”
As the excavation continues, researchers hope to uncover more secrets hidden within the dunes, providing valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of this ancient coastal community.
