What did the girl buried 1300 years ago look like? Facial reconstruction reveals the face

Advanced facial reconstruction technology has unveiled the visage of a girl who perished over 1,300 years ago, breathing life into her ancient remains. The girl's entombed body was unearthed in 2012 on a wooden bed in the region of Trumpington, Cambridgeshire. Adorned around her neck was a striking cross fashioned from gold and garnet, adding an air of mystique to her identity.

This remarkable facial reconstruction, now revealed to the world, will be prominently featured as part of an upcoming exhibition at the esteemed University of Cambridge. Dr. Sam Leggatt, an archaeologist involved in the project, expressed his excitement at finally being able to visualize the appearance of individuals who have long remained faceless to history.

To bring the girl's likeness to life, forensic artist Hugh Morrison relied on meticulous measurements of her skull and utilized tissue depth data derived from Caucasian women. The resultant image is a captivating representation of this young woman who dwelled in a bygone era.

Alongside the girl's remains, archaeologists made the serendipitous discovery of a captivating gold and garnet cross. The implications of this artifact only further pique curiosity and hint at her possible connection to royalty. It is a distinctive piece, one of just five of its kind ever found in Britain, exclusively worn by women of the royal family.

Intriguing insights into the girl's life have emerged through thorough examination of her skeletal and dental remains. Born in the vicinity of the Alps, likely in southern Germany, she embarked on a journey at the tender age of seven that brought her to the plains of Cambridgeshire. This relocation to England also brought about significant changes in her diet.

Dr. Leggatt notes that protein analysis revealed a decline in its consumption, indicating a shift from a diet rich in meat and dairy products prevalent in southern Germany to one more typical of Trumpington. Interestingly, a previous study conducted by the University of Cambridge on Anglo-Saxon kings unveiled that most rulers prior to the Viking incursions adhered to a vegetarian lifestyle themselves.

The young woman's health was already ailing before her untimely demise, as evidenced by prior examinations. Dr. Leggatt, who aided in isotopic analysis at the University of Edinburgh, speculates that her overall well-being was likely poor. She had embarked on a perilous journey to an unfamiliar land, adapting to a new environment and grappling with a distinct culinary repertoire. Undoubtedly, it must have been a harrowing experience for her.

Burials within beds are an exceedingly rare phenomenon in the United Kingdom, with only 18 known instances recorded. The presence of the gold and garnet cross provides further evidence of her Christian faith and potential ties to the royal lineage. Similar bed burials discovered across Europe suggest that this exclusive group of women enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle, spanning from the central European highlands to the hallowed grounds of Cambridge during the third quarter of the 7th century.

Experts posit that the young woman's health may have deteriorated during her arduous journey, with her condition never improving. Speculations abound regarding her purpose in the region, ranging from a prospective bride to a candidate for a nearby monastery affiliated with Ely Abbey. She belonged to an elite cohort dispersed across Europe, initially engaged in religious activities.

Dr. Leggatt expresses his enthusiasm for the exhibition, deeming it an exemplary showcase of bringing history to life. The Trumpington burial site, replete with intriguing artifacts such as the renowned 'Trumpington Cross,' will be a focal point of the exhibition. Additionally, a lavishly adorned headboard from the death bed will be featured, providing a captivating glimpse into the past.

The exhibition, entitled 'Beneath Over Fat,' endeavors to provide visitors with a compelling window into the lives of those who have inhabited Cambridgeshire for countless millennia. Running until April 14, 2024, the exhibition at the University of Cambridge Museum of Archaeology aims to captivate audiences with a diverse array of artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and other remnants from Britain's ancient rural civilization.

One particularly captivating aspect of the girl's burial was the discovery of a gold necklace entwined with two golden pins encircling her neck, suggesting that her countenance was adorned with this precious jewelry even in death. Such intricate details further enhance our understanding of the customs and beliefs surrounding burial practices during that period.

The unveiling of the girl's reconstructed face, combined with the intriguing historical context surrounding her burial, adds a layer of human connection to a bygone era. It is a testament to the remarkable advancements in technology and scientific analysis that enable us to bridge the gap between the past and the present.

Dr. Leggatt emphasizes the significance of projects like this, which breathe life into ancient remains and provide invaluable insights into the lives of those who came before us. By delving into the personal stories and experiences of individuals like the girl from Trumpington, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history.

As visitors explore the exhibition, they will be transported back in time, immersing themselves in the lives of ancient inhabitants of Cambridgeshire. The artifacts on display serve as tangible connections to our collective past, allowing us to contemplate the struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of those who once roamed these lands.

'Beneath Over Fat' stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and understanding our shared heritage. It serves as a reminder that the past is not a distant abstraction but a living tapestry woven by countless generations. Through continued archaeological endeavors and technological advancements, we can continue to unlock the secrets of our ancestors and shed light on the intricacies of human history.