The Sutton Hoo Sceptre and the Roots of Celtic Kingship Theory

The Sutton Hoo whetstone sceptre is the most enigmatic and mysterious emblem of kingship of the early Middle Ages. Produced around AD 600 and long held to be Anglo-Saxon, Enright establishes that the sceptre is undoubtedly a British artefact, one that reflects a long history of Celtic kingship theory. In this volume, the thesis is re-examined with a wealth of evidence never before discussed. Enright establishes that the sceptre is undoubtedly a British artefact, one that reflects a long history of Celtic kingship theory. It is the end of a tradition that begins with the Iron Age Pfalzfeld pillar. Because the sceptre's design reflects that of the pillar, a comparison of their creator's ideas is possible. The results are important and surprising. It is safe to say that this book casts a wholly new light on a number of significant topics in the field and that its findings will be of considerable interest to scholars in a variety of areas.