Recently, four bodies and a mysterious silver box have been found 400 years after having been buried. Considered “the most remarkable archaeology discovery of recent years,” according to James Horn, the four bodies of English settlers along with the silver box left many questions to the researchers studying them.

After conducting preliminary research, researchers found the identities of the four bodies. The first body founded was identified as Rev. Robert Hunt. Known to be a first Anglican minister, he was in his late thirties when he died from a fire. The second body belonged to Sir Ferdinando Wainman, who died in his mid thirties. The third body belonged to Arthur, and the silver box was found on top of his leg; he was one of the early settlers from England in 1607. Finally, the last body founded belonged to Capt. William West, who died while fighting against the native Indians in his mid twenties.

Much research has been done on the silver box, yet has left few discoveries. After a long time of looking closely at the silver box, studies have concluded that there was a letter “M” written on the silver box. The letter “M” is still a mystery for researchers and needs further research. Moreover, additional research has discovered that the silver box originated in continental Europe, not England, where Arthur came from. Inside the silver box were questionable bones and ampulla. Later research found out that the bones inside the silver box were human bones, specifically the limb bones. According to Merry A. Outlaw, a Jamestown curator, the ampulla was considered a souvenir for the pilgrims, and was used to contain any kind of liquid.

The assumption made by Horn that the silver box was a public reliquary has left many questions to researchers. If it were a reliquary, Archer must have been a devout Catholic. However, researchers found out that neither Archer nor his family was a devout Catholic. Further research is being done to answer the remaining questions. Personally, I find the uncovering of historic mysteries to be especially fascinating and eye-opening, for such detailed findings can lead to even greater understanding of the origins of America, and more specifically, the thirteen colonies. I look forward to further research so that the past can become more and more transparent for the public eye.