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Carbon Dating Identifies Medieval Abbots in Roman Sarcophagus

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 12:35 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

British archaeologists led by Prof. Warwick Rodwell identified the skeleton as likely belonging to two Westminster abbots.
Carbon dating placed the individual between 987 and 1052, confirming medieval reuse of the Roman sarcophagus.
The candidates are Ælfwig (abbot 993-1020) and his successor Wulfnoth (abbot 1020-1049).
Rodwell said recycling Roman sarcophagi for medieval burials is unprecedented, despite the inscription naming Valerius Amandinus.

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Story summary

British archaeologists led by Prof. Warwick Rodwell identified the skeleton as likely belonging to two Westminster abbots.
Carbon dating placed the individual between 987 and 1052, confirming medieval reuse of the Roman sarcophagus.
The candidates are Ælfwig (abbot 993-1020) and his successor Wulfnoth (abbot 1020-1049).
Rodwell said recycling Roman sarcophagi for medieval burials is unprecedented, despite the inscription naming Valerius Amandinus.