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Believed to be the skull of Alfred the Great
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Believed to be the skull of Alfred the Great
Five skulls, found at Winchester. When this picture was published in The Tatler in 1901, the central skull was believed to be that of Alfred the Great, and the others those of his family
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Media ID 14144448
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing photograph, five ancient skulls are arranged in a line, each one a window into the past. Among them, the central skull is believed to be that of Alfred the Great, the legendary Anglo-Saxon king who ruled England from 871 to 899 AD. Alfred the Great is renowned for his military victories against the Vikings, his patronage of learning, and his efforts to unify and strengthen the English kingdom. After his death, he was buried at Winchester Cathedral, but the exact location of his tomb has been lost to history. These skulls were discovered in Winchester during archaeological excavations in the late 19th century. When this photograph was published in The Tatler in 1901, the central skull was identified as that of Alfred the Great based on its size, shape, and the presence of a large wound on the left side, which was believed to be consistent with historical accounts of Alfred's battle injuries. The other skulls in the photograph are believed to be those of Alfred's family members or relations. The presence of multiple skulls in the same grave may suggest that they were buried together as a sign of respect or to ensure their continued protection in the afterlife. The study of human remains, such as these skulls, is an essential part of archaeology and provides valuable insights into the lives of people from the past. By examining the bones, researchers can learn about their age, sex, health, and even their diet and occupation. The discovery of these skulls in Winchester adds to the rich historical record of Alfred the Great and his dynasty. Despite ongoing debates among historians and archaeologists, the central skull in this photograph remains a popular candidate for the remains of Alfred the Great. The mystery of his final resting place continues to captivate scholars and the public alike, making this photograph a fascinating glimpse into the past.
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