Early medieval art: c. 500-800 C.E.

This luxurious cross supposedly contained a fragment of the True Cross and was commissioned by the High King of Ireland
The Cross of Cong

Associated with the founder of Christianity in Ireland, this medieval bell and its ornate shrine is one of the treasures of medieval Ireland
Saint Patrick’s Bell and Shrine

Clonmacnoise, an important monastery that attracted religious pilgrims and royal patronage, is considered a quintessential example of the early Irish church
Clonmacnoise

Intricate metalwork dons this medieval Irish chalice made for performing the eucharist
The Ardagh Chalice

Originally painted, monumental crosses in Ireland like this one are the largest freestanding sculpture from the Middle Ages
Muiredach Cross

This dramatic island off the coast of Ireland was once a place for monks to remove themselves from the world
Skellig Michael

Snakes, peacocks, lions, hares, mice, and more — in the Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells

Dr Rachel Moss explores the hidden meanings behind the illustrations of the Book of Kells.
Symbolism in the Book of Kells

The classical past continued to shape and influence readers throughout the Middle Ages.
The classical past

The idea of place in the early Middle Ages transcended space and time.
Mapping the world

Expressive, emotional, and energetic, the Utrecht Psalter is not what you expect in a book written 1200 years ago.
The Utrecht Psalter and its influence

One of the oldest surviving bibles was made in England but has clear visual ties to traditions from the ancient Mediterranean.
Codex Amiatinus, the oldest complete Latin Bible

Excavated in 1939, this 7th-century grave once held a hoard of metalwork, all buried within a 27-meter long ship!
Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

Rendered in gold and garnet, the enigmatic animals on this purse lid stand out above white bone.
The Sutton Hoo purse lid

Restored, dismantled, and restored again, this helmet was a pile of rusted iron and tinned bronze when first discovered.
The Sutton Hoo helmet

Masks and scrolls adorn the square head of this silver-gilt brooch. Extravagant but functional, it fastened clothes.
Brooch from Chessell Down

Stylistic analysis of these brooches and buckles might seem straightforward, but their designs riddle even experts.
Decoding Anglo-Saxon art

After crossing the Channel and invading Britain, the Anglo-Saxons ruled for 500 years. Rings offer clues to their society.
Anglo-Saxon England

1400 years ago, Anglo-Saxons hauled a ship up a hilltop and buried their king and his treasure within.