A Look Inside the Casket of an Anglo-Saxon Princess

Queen Edith was a significant historical figure, the daughter of King Edward the Elder of Wessex and wife of Otto the Great, who would later become Holy Roman Emperor. This video outlines her life, marriage, burial, and the recent discovery of her remains. After her death, Edith was buried in Magdeburg cathedral, which Otto later rebuilt around her tomb. In 1510 her remains were placed in a lavish late Gothic monument, featuring an effigy of Edith and coats of arms. In 2008, during conservation work, Edith's tomb was opened, revealing her remains in a lead casket, contrary to previous beliefs that it was a cenotaph. The skeletal remains were analysed, confirming they belonged to a woman in her 30s to 40s, and revealing evidence consistent with her youth in England.