New light on the Dark Ages

The past 40 years have witnessed a revolution in our understanding of early English history, which has inspired Michael Wood to update his landmark book In Search of the Dark Ages. Here, Michael chronicles the great leaps forward that have lit up this thrilling era

- Michael Wood

It is hard to believe but the original edition of my book In Search of the Dark Ages was published four decades ago. That it has remained in print for so long is testimony to the widespread interest in this fascinating and formative period in British history with its larger-than-life characters such as Offa of Mercia, Alfred the Great, King Ethelstan, and the aptly named Norse warlord Eric Bloodaxe.

But the time has come for a major rewrite. The past 40 years have witnessed a host of important discoveries and major excavations - all of which have combined to revolutionize our view of England before the Norman conquest.

So what's changed? Which great leaps forward have transformed our perceptions of this foundational period in our history? Where better to start than with archaeology. Think, for example, of the re-excavation of the grave mounds at Sutton Hoo from 1983-92; the find (in the 1980s) of the mass tomb of the Viking Great Army at Repton in Derbyshire; and the electrifying discovery of the Danish camp at Torksey on the western border of Lincolnshire (2013-16).

Then, of course, there's been the rise of the metal detector. This has led to a series of game-changing finds - none more illuminating than the astonishing riches of the Staffordshire Treasure. Let's stop to consider this discovery for a moment. If anyone find over the past 40 years has shed light on the sheer richness and sophistication of the "Dark Ages", then these 1,500 gold and silver pieces - discovered in 2009 near the village of Hammerwich - is surely it.

The discovery of the Staffordshire Treasure prompted many questions. What was it? Why was it buried? And to whom did it belong? The presence of 45 ornate sword hilts and more than 200 hilt adornments among the treasures has led to the conclusion that it was probably war loot, stripped from weapons and war gear.