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Medieval Helmet Fragment Discovered in Denmark

A remarkable piece of history has been discovered near the town of Lejre in eastern Denmark. Metal detectorists have unearthed an exceptionally rare helmet fragment dating back to just before the Early Middle Ages.

The bronze fragment is gold-plated and features an intricately set red garnet gemstone. It was found last tear and is a stunning example of early medieval craftsmanship and design.

“In itself, finding helmet parts is a rare thing in Denmark. This piece comes from what must have been one of Scandinavia’s most magnificent helmets,” explains Julie Nielsen, archaeological director at ROMU, the organisation overseeing the discovery.

A Piece of a Larger Puzzle

The discovery consists of two fragments found in the same field, which fit together seamlessly. Together, they form most of the helmet’s eyebrow arch, a feature identified by its distinct curved shape.

“The ornamentation—a creature with prominent teeth and large eyes—reflects the style we know from the Late Germanic Iron Age. The fragment dates to between 650 and 750 CE,” Nielsen adds.

The fragment is gold-plated and decorated with red gemstones, and dates from between the end of the 7th century to the middle of the 8th century. Photos: Kristian Grøndahl /ROMU

The helmet fragment aligns with the grandeur of Lejre’s archaeological sites, which include hall buildings and monumental burials from the same period. Experts believe the helmet belonged to a king or a high-ranking individual.

“The deep red garnet has long been associated with strength. The intricate ornamentation on the helmet narrates a story of immense power possessed by its owner,” Nielsen explains.

Lejre: A Centre of Trade and Power

Lejre, located about 45 minutes west of Copenhagen, was a political and religious centre during the Late Germanic Iron Age. It was not a site of warfare but a hub for trade and elite culture.

“In neighbouring countries like England and Sweden, we see helmet fragments with a similar overall design. This suggests Lejre was a central node in a network, with trade playing a vital role,” Nielsen says.

John Ljungkvist, a senior archaeologist at Uppsala University, highlights the fragment’s uniqueness and compares the craftsmanship to the famous Sutton Hoo helmet from England. “While other helmets feature three separate fittings joined together, this helmet’s eyebrow arch is crafted from a single piece. This new variant of the exclusive helmet design is unprecedented,” he says.

The medieval artefact will be on display at Lejre Museum starting in February. Please visit the ROMU website for more details.