Anglo-Saxon brooch

Timeline

1. c. 400–450Kent · KentAfter the Anglo-Saxons migrated into Britain, early copper-alloy brooches were excavated from burials in Kent and elsewhere; their forms were influenced by continental Germanic culture and their craftsmanship was relatively simple.
2. c. 450–480East Anglia · East AngliaBrooch craftsmanship became increasingly refined in the mid-to-late fifth century, with the appearance of filigree goldwork, garnet inlay, and animal ornament; large decorative brooches in female burials were especially prominent, reflecting social stratification.
3. c. 480–500Britain · EnglandBy the late fifth century, the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms had each developed local brooch styles, such as Kentish round brooches and square plate brooches, which became important evidence for archaeological dating and ethnic identification.