Recent genetic analyses of human remains from two 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries in southern England have revealed a surprising presence of West African ancestry, significantly reshaping our understanding of early medieval migration patterns and societal composition. The findings suggest that early medieval England was a more interconnected and cosmopolitan society than previously assumed.
At Updown Cemetery in Kent, skeletal remains of a young girl, interred around the 7th century, exhibited between 20% and 40% sub-Saharan African ancestry. Autosomal DNA analysis indicated a genetic affinity with present-day West African populations, pointing to a grandparent from that region. Her burial accompaniments, including a knife and a decorated pot likely originating from continental Europe, hint at connections extending beyond the immediate locale. Similarly, at Worth Matravers Cemetery in Dorset, DNA analysis of a young male, radiocarbon dated to the mid-seventh century, also revealed a similar proportion of West African ancestry, suggesting a recent African ancestor, likely a grandparent. This individual was found in a double grave, interred alongside an unrelated male and a limestone anchor.
These discoveries challenge the long-held perception of early medieval England as being exclusively settled by peoples from northern Europe. The presence of individuals with West African heritage underscores the extent of long-distance travel and cultural exchange that occurred during this period. Professor Duncan Sayer from the University of Lancashire stated that Britain was "quite bohemian, even in the sixth and seventh centuries," emphasizing that international connections were present in both eastern and western parts of the country. While the Updown site in Kent is situated within a prominent Anglo-Saxon cultural zone and near royal centres, suggesting strong continental links, the Worth Matravers site in Dorset occupied a more peripheral position. Dr. Ceiridwen Edwards from the University of Huddersfield observed a distinct cultural divide between Dorset and areas further west compared to the Anglo-Saxon influenced regions to the east. Despite these regional differences, the genetic evidence indicates that individuals with diverse ancestry were not anomalies but were integrated into the fabric of daily life.
Researchers suggest that these long-distance connections may have been facilitated by trade routes, potentially linked to the Byzantine Empire's influence in North Africa during the 6th and 7th centuries. The movement of people, mirroring the movement of goods, contributed to a diverse population with far-flung connections. The fact that these individuals were buried with their communities, often with local grave goods, signifies their acceptance and belonging within their respective societies, offering a richer, more nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of the early medieval world.