Archaeologists unearth a mysterious medieval cemetery in Wales. Photo
A rare cemetery from the early Middle Ages has been unearthed in Wales. This discovery has raised many questions for archaeologists.
It is believed to date back to the sixth or seventh century, and 18 of the approximately 70 graves have been excavated so far. Some of the well-preserved skeletons were found in unusual positions, and scientists have also discovered unexpected artifacts at the cemetery, the BBC reports.
The cemetery is located in an unremarkable field on the grounds of Fonmon Castle, near the end of the runway at Cardiff Airport.
For two years, a team of archaeologists has been carefully removing the thin topsoil over the summer to reveal the graves, which were carved into the rock centuries ago.
Summer Courts, an osteoarchaeologist at the University of Reading, says that despite being about 1,500 years old, the skeletons are very well preserved.
Another mystery is the positioning of the skeletons - they lie in various unusual positions.
Some lie on their backs, which is a common practice for the period, but others lie on their sides, and some are buried in a twisted position with their knees pulled up to their chests.
Archaeologists are not sure what this means.