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This pivotal era – once framed simply as the “Anglo-Saxon” age – is now understood to be far more complex, with new discoveries shedding light on the dynamic, diverse, and inter-connected communities that shaped early Sussex.
Building on the legacy of the influential South Saxons (Brandon, 1978) and the Epic Changes conference (2007), this event brings together leading researchers to present major new findings from cemeteries, landscapes, and artefacts.
Key themes include:
– The publication and launch of the Highdown cemetery excavation, alongside updates on Rookery Hill and South Malling Hill.
– Insights from Ancient DNA studies, revealing family structures and migrations.
– New evidence from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, including high-status metalwork discoveries.
– Settlement patterns and land use, including the role of transhumance and the development of village cores.
– Evolving understandings of kingdoms, community groupings, and the spread of Christianity in Sussex.
The day will feature talks from leading archaeologists and historians, including a keynote lecture by Dr Gabor Thomas on village core archaeology, and sessions on burial practices, landscape archaeology, and the significance of recent finds. With contributions from both established researchers and recent fieldwork teams, the conference offers a fascinating event for anyone interested in the Early Medieval period or the archaeology of Sussex.
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