Sutton Hoo is an archaeological site located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, England. It is famous for the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon burial site dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries CE. The site consists of several burial mounds, or barrows, containing rich grave goods and evidence of a ship burial.

Key points about Sutton Hoo include:

1. **Discovery**: Sutton Hoo gained international fame in 1939 when a local landowner, Edith Pretty, commissioned archaeologist Basil Brown to excavate the site. Brown’s excavations revealed the remains of several Anglo-Saxon burial mounds, including one containing the remnants of a large ship burial.

2. **Ship Burial**: The most significant discovery at Sutton Hoo was the ship burial found in Mound 1. The burial chamber contained the remains of a 27-meter-long Anglo-Saxon ship, believed to be the burial site of a wealthy and high-ranking individual, possibly a king or chieftain. The ship was accompanied by a treasure trove of grave goods, including weapons, armor, jewelry, gold coins, silver vessels, and other valuable items.

3. **Artifacts**: The artifacts recovered from the Sutton Hoo burial site provide valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon culture, craftsmanship, and trade networks. Among the most famous artifacts are the Sutton Hoo helmet, a highly decorated ceremonial helmet with a face mask; the Sutton Hoo scepter, a symbol of authority; and the Sutton Hoo purse lid, which depicts scenes from Germanic mythology.

4. **Significance**: Sutton Hoo is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain and has provided significant information about the Anglo-Saxon period in England. The discoveries at Sutton Hoo helped to revolutionize our understanding of early Anglo-Saxon society, art, religion, and burial practices.

5. **Visitor Center**: Today, Sutton Hoo is managed by the National Trust, and visitors can explore the archaeological site and learn about its history and significance at the Sutton Hoo Visitor Center. The site attracts thousands of visitors each year and continues to be a source of fascination for archaeologists, historians, and the general public alike.

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