A cache of silver objects buried more than a thousand years ago has been uncovered along the banks of the Schlei in northern Germany, offering a glimpse into the economic and cultural networks of the early medieval world. The discovery, announced last year, was made by archaeologists from the Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH) working in close cooperation with the Schleswig-Holstein Detector Group.
The 10th-century hoard was found not far from Haithabu, one of the most important trading centres of the Viking Age. This strategic location, connecting the North Sea and the Baltic, made the region a hub for long-distance exchange, and the newly discovered objects reflect these far-reaching connections.
Fragments of jewellery and a cross pendant – Photo courtesy Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH)
In total, the hoard contains around 200 items, the majority made of silver. Among them are pieces of hacksilver—cut fragments of silver used as a form of currency—alongside ingots, jewellery, and fragments of Arabic coins known as dirhams. Such coins, minted in the Islamic world, are frequently found in Viking Age contexts, demonstrating the extensive trade networks that linked northern Europe with regions as far away as the Middle East.
Of particular interest is a finely crafted cross pendant included among the finds. This object may represent an early sign of Christianization in the region, hinting at the gradual cultural and religious transformations taking place in northern Europe during the early medieval period. In addition to the silver objects, the archaeologists also unearthed a ceramic shard and a whetstone – possible indications of a previously unknown settlement at the site.
Silver ingot fragments, twisted silver wire, and a whetstone – Photo courtesy Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH)
The original discovery was made by certified metal detectorist Arjen Spießwinkel, who immediately reported his initial finds to local authorities. A larger search with other detectorists allowed the location of the find to be narrowed down. Finally, a systematic excavation by the ALSH together with volunteer helpers led to the hoard’s discovery.
Arjen Spießwinkel (right in the picture) discovered the hoard. Photo courtesy Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH)
A cache of silver objects buried more than a thousand years ago has been uncovered along the banks of the Schlei in northern Germany, offering a glimpse into the economic and cultural networks of the early medieval world. The discovery, announced last year, was made by archaeologists from the Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH) working in close cooperation with the Schleswig-Holstein Detector Group.
The 10th-century hoard was found not far from Haithabu, one of the most important trading centres of the Viking Age. This strategic location, connecting the North Sea and the Baltic, made the region a hub for long-distance exchange, and the newly discovered objects reflect these far-reaching connections.
In total, the hoard contains around 200 items, the majority made of silver. Among them are pieces of hacksilver—cut fragments of silver used as a form of currency—alongside ingots, jewellery, and fragments of Arabic coins known as dirhams. Such coins, minted in the Islamic world, are frequently found in Viking Age contexts, demonstrating the extensive trade networks that linked northern Europe with regions as far away as the Middle East.
Of particular interest is a finely crafted cross pendant included among the finds. This object may represent an early sign of Christianization in the region, hinting at the gradual cultural and religious transformations taking place in northern Europe during the early medieval period. In addition to the silver objects, the archaeologists also unearthed a ceramic shard and a whetstone – possible indications of a previously unknown settlement at the site.
The original discovery was made by certified metal detectorist Arjen Spießwinkel, who immediately reported his initial finds to local authorities. A larger search with other detectorists allowed the location of the find to be narrowed down. Finally, a systematic excavation by the ALSH together with volunteer helpers led to the hoard’s discovery.
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