Sutton Hoo And Rome

Here's me by artifacts from Sutton Hoo (pictured) that Sonnet studied in Art 100 at Smith. It being the site of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries of the 6th century and early 7th century, one of which contained an undisturbed ship burial including a treasure chest of outstanding art-historical and archaeological importance. This of a primary importance, dear reader, to early medieval historians because it sheds light on a period of English history which is on the margin between myth, legend and historical documentation. Use of the site culminated at a time when the ruler (Raedwald) of East Anglia held senior power among the English, and established Christian rulership in England.

Meanwhile, the ship-burial, probably dating from the early 7th to 9th century and excavated in 1939, is one of the most magnificent archaeological finds in England for its size and completeness, far-reaching connections, quality and beauty of its contents, and for the profound interest of the burial ritual itself. Why it was buried and where - just outside of London on the Thames - one of those great mysteries.

At home, we surround the TV to watch Milorad Cavic vs. Michael Phelps, who famously beat Cavic by 1/100 of a second at the Olympics to ensure his eight goals. Cavic takes his first 50 inside 22.6 and well on-target for WR with Phelps a half-body length behind. The turn puts Cavic up by a quarter and the last 25 meters a dog fight, which Phelps wins with a 49.81 to 49.95 both the first men ever below 50-seconds. Wow. Phelps pumps his arms skywards - he is an angry fellow having lost the 200 freestyle and written off in this shorter race. His eyes say it all: I am the man. Dara Torres meanwhile quips that she is 25 years older than some of her competitors; her coach BTW has blood cancer and having a transfusion so he can see Torres 50 meters freestyle final Sunday. I am forced to admit: it is not all about the swim suit.

"Let the swimming do the talking."
--Michael Phelps, August 1, 2009