Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a medieval seal stamp that once belonged to Esger Juul, Archbishop of Lund in the early 14th century. The find, made in a field in West Jutland, has been identified by experts from the National Museum and Archaeology West Jutland.
Esger Juul became Archbishop of Lund in 1310 and died on January 17, 1325—exactly 700 years ago this year. The seal, inscribed with his name and decorated with religious imagery, provides new insights into one of the most prominent church leaders in medieval Denmark.
Identifying the Seal
Seal stamp with recorded inscription. Photo: National Museum of Denmark
The stamp bears the Latin inscription “S’ ESGERI FILII NICHOLAI IUUL DE DACIA”, meaning “Seal for Esger Nielsen Juul from Denmark.” The wording suggests it was intended for international use, perhaps when Juul travelled to Rome to negotiate with the papacy on behalf of King Erik Menved (1286–1319) during his dispute with Archbishop Jens Grand.
The seal also includes two lying lilies, a motif consistent with other seals used by Juul. At its centre is a figure believed to be Saint Andrew, shown in a long cloak and crucified on his X-shaped cross, with a kneeling figure below in prayer.
“It is exciting that archaeology can add an extra piece to Esger Juul’s life,” said Lisbeth Imer, senior researcher at the National Museum. “We are suddenly getting very close to a person who lived 700 years ago and played a central role in Danish history.”
Tracing Local Origins
Brother Viggo Kristensen found the seal stamp with his detector. Photo courtesy National Museum of Denmark
The seal was uncovered on farmland near Dejbjerg, in West Jutland, a region along Denmark’s North Sea coast. The discovery may point to Juul’s family origins. In 1310, he donated estates in the Skast district of Jutland to the canons of Ribe, and in 1312 he gave additional farms there to Ribe Cathedral.
“We don’t know exactly where Esger Juul’s family originates in Jutland, but the seal stamp indicates that he may have had his origins and connection to this area,” explained Michelle Wølch Staffe, archaeologist and museum curator at Archaeology West Jutland. “This part of West Jutland is an area where there has already been quite a lot of activity throughout several historical periods, so it would be fun if Esger Juul could also be linked to this. It confirms how important West Jutland has been in various ways throughout Danish history.”
Filling the Gaps
Seal stamp. Photo: National Museum of Denmark
Seal stamps are a common find for metal detectorists in Denmark and are typically submitted as Danefæ—objects of cultural significance that belong to the state. Yet it is rare that such finds can be connected directly to a named historical figure, since many medieval documents have not survived.
Esger Juul’s seal is not mentioned in any preserved Danish records, underlining how much evidence has been lost.
“When we try to define the past today, it is important to remember that there are still many gaps that we need answers to. Fortunately, we are constantly gaining new knowledge, like now with Esger Juul’s seal stamp. Perhaps in time it can lead to an even greater discovery,” said Imer.
The seal was likely worn on a chain around Juul’s neck, serving as a portable emblem of his authority. Its recovery not only illuminates the career of one of Denmark’s most influential churchmen, but also highlights the role of West Jutland in the country’s medieval past.
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a medieval seal stamp that once belonged to Esger Juul, Archbishop of Lund in the early 14th century. The find, made in a field in West Jutland, has been identified by experts from the National Museum and Archaeology West Jutland.
Esger Juul became Archbishop of Lund in 1310 and died on January 17, 1325—exactly 700 years ago this year. The seal, inscribed with his name and decorated with religious imagery, provides new insights into one of the most prominent church leaders in medieval Denmark.
Identifying the Seal
The stamp bears the Latin inscription “S’ ESGERI FILII NICHOLAI IUUL DE DACIA”, meaning “Seal for Esger Nielsen Juul from Denmark.” The wording suggests it was intended for international use, perhaps when Juul travelled to Rome to negotiate with the papacy on behalf of King Erik Menved (1286–1319) during his dispute with Archbishop Jens Grand.
The seal also includes two lying lilies, a motif consistent with other seals used by Juul. At its centre is a figure believed to be Saint Andrew, shown in a long cloak and crucified on his X-shaped cross, with a kneeling figure below in prayer.
“It is exciting that archaeology can add an extra piece to Esger Juul’s life,” said Lisbeth Imer, senior researcher at the National Museum. “We are suddenly getting very close to a person who lived 700 years ago and played a central role in Danish history.”
Tracing Local Origins
The seal was uncovered on farmland near Dejbjerg, in West Jutland, a region along Denmark’s North Sea coast. The discovery may point to Juul’s family origins. In 1310, he donated estates in the Skast district of Jutland to the canons of Ribe, and in 1312 he gave additional farms there to Ribe Cathedral.
“We don’t know exactly where Esger Juul’s family originates in Jutland, but the seal stamp indicates that he may have had his origins and connection to this area,” explained Michelle Wølch Staffe, archaeologist and museum curator at Archaeology West Jutland. “This part of West Jutland is an area where there has already been quite a lot of activity throughout several historical periods, so it would be fun if Esger Juul could also be linked to this. It confirms how important West Jutland has been in various ways throughout Danish history.”
Filling the Gaps
Seal stamps are a common find for metal detectorists in Denmark and are typically submitted as Danefæ—objects of cultural significance that belong to the state. Yet it is rare that such finds can be connected directly to a named historical figure, since many medieval documents have not survived.
Esger Juul’s seal is not mentioned in any preserved Danish records, underlining how much evidence has been lost.
“When we try to define the past today, it is important to remember that there are still many gaps that we need answers to. Fortunately, we are constantly gaining new knowledge, like now with Esger Juul’s seal stamp. Perhaps in time it can lead to an even greater discovery,” said Imer.
The seal was likely worn on a chain around Juul’s neck, serving as a portable emblem of his authority. Its recovery not only illuminates the career of one of Denmark’s most influential churchmen, but also highlights the role of West Jutland in the country’s medieval past.
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