1,000-Year-Old Hoard Unearthed in Cornfield
Viborg, Denmark - A young girl's hobby has led to the discovery of a remarkable Viking-era treasure trove in Denmark. While searching for metal objects with a metal detector in a cornfield last autumn, the girl stumbled upon a hoard of over 280 silver coins, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.
Viking Era Treasures
The hoard, unearthed near the Viking fortress of Fyrkat in northwest Denmark, includes Danish, Arab, and German coins, as well as jewelry believed to be of Scottish or Irish origin. According to the North Jutland Museum, which announced the discovery on April 20, the coins date back to the 980s.
Insights into Viking History
The discovery has excited archaeologists, who believe the hoard could shed light on Viking history. The coins, dating back to the reign of King Harald Bluetooth, who built Fyrkat, offer a glimpse into the Viking era.
"The two silver hoards in themselves tell a completely fantastic story, but the fact that they are buried only 8 km from the ancient fortress of Fyrkat, built by King Harald Bluetooth, is incredibly exciting," said archaeologist Torben Trier Christiansen, head of the museum.
A Possible Connection to the Fortress
Christiansen theorizes a connection between the hoard, buried during wartime, and the fortress, which was destroyed around the same time.
"It's likely that the hoard was buried by Vikings during a period of war, and the fact that it was buried so close to the fortress suggests that there may be a connection between the two," he said.
The Spread of Christianity
The coins, predating the reign of Harald Bluetooth, are unique in that they lack a cross, suggesting that the king may have used coins bearing a cross as a way to promote Christianity in Denmark.
Further Excavations Planned
Archaeologists plan to continue excavations in the autumn following the harvest, hoping to uncover burial sites and the homes of those who owned the hoard. Vikings believed that burying their wealth would help them retrieve it after death.
Public Display and Reward
The newly discovered artifacts will be put on public display at the North Jutland Museum in July. The girl who made the discovery will be rewarded for her contribution.
Summary
A young girl's discovery of a 1,000-year-old Viking treasure trove in Denmark has captivated archaeologists and the public. The hoard, including over 280 silver coins and jewelry, is believed to date back to the reign of King Harald Bluetooth and provides insights into Viking history. The discovery's location near the ancient fortress of Fyrkat suggests a possible connection to the structure. Archaeologists are excited to continue excavations in hopes of further understanding the Vikings who owned these treasures.