Latest news with #ALSH
New York Post
03-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Rare Christian cross, Viking treasures unearthed — revealing ‘fascinating insights' to past
Advertisement Archaeologists recently unearthed a hoard of early medieval treasures on the banks of an inlet in northern Germany, all thanks to a metal detectorist. The State Archaeology Department of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH) announced the discovery in a press release in late May. The hoard, dating back roughly 1,000 years, was found on the shores of the Schlei, an inlet in the Baltic Sea. Officials said that the area is near 'the once-significant Viking-era trading post of Haithabu.' The hoard was originally flagged by a metal detectorist named Arjen Spiesswinkel, who reported his finds to the ALSH. Advertisement 'A targeted follow-up search with additional detectorists helped narrow down the location of the find,' the ALSH said in a statement. 5 Archaeologists discovered early medieval treasures in northern Germany with the help of a metal detectorist. ALSH 5 Volunteers dug through the soil, finding over 200 artifacts. ALSH 'Subsequently, a systematic excavation by the ALSH, together with volunteer helpers, recovered the objects.' Advertisement Pictures show focused volunteers digging through the soil in search of the treasure hoard, which consisted of over 200 artifacts. 'In this case, the hoard includes around 200 objects, mostly made of silver, hacksilver, fragments of Arabic coins (dirhams), bar pieces and jewelry,' the statement noted. 5 The items found were 'mostly made of silver, hacksilver, fragments of Arabic coins (dirhams), bar pieces and jewelry,' the statement from The State Archaeology Department of Schleswig-Holstein said. ALSH 5 According to officials, the cross is 'an early testament to the beginning of Christianization in the region.' ALSH Advertisement Officials added, 'Particularly noteworthy is a delicate cross pendant – an early testament to the beginning of Christianization in the region.' 'Particularly noteworthy is a delicate cross pendant – an early testament to the beginning of Christianization in the region.' The ALSH also noted that hoard finds typically consist of 'buried or submerged objects that were either hidden to protect them from others or laid down as offerings.' A ceramic shard and a whetstone were also found at the site, which officials believe may be 'possible indications of a previously unknown settlement.' 5 A ceramic shard and a whetstone were also found at the site. ALSH 'The finds offer fascinating insights into the history of the 10th century, a time of trade, cultural exchange, and religious transformation,' the statement concluded. The Viking Age lasted from roughly 800 A.D. to 1050 A.D., meaning that the hoard dates back to the later part of the era. Advertisement The discovery comes as many recent Viking-related finds have been uncovered across Europe. In Sweden, officials recently announced the discovery of a Viking grave with 'Christian overtones' on the outskirts of Linköping.
Fox News
03-07-2025
- General
- Fox News
Rare Christian cross among spectacular 1,000-year-old Viking treasures found by metal detectorists
Archaeologists recently unearthed a hoard of early medieval treasures on the banks of an inlet in northern Germany, all thanks to a metal detectorist. The State Archaeology Department of Schleswig-Holstein (ALSH) announced the discovery in a press release in late May. The hoard, dating back roughly 1,000 years, was found on the shores of the Schlei, an inlet in the Baltic Sea. Officials said that the area is near "the once-significant Viking-era trading post of Haithabu." The hoard was originally flagged by a metal detectorist named Arjen Spiesswinkel, who reported his finds to the ALSH. "A targeted follow-up search with additional detectorists helped narrow down the location of the find," the ALSH said in a statement. "Subsequently, a systematic excavation by the ALSH, together with volunteer helpers, recovered the objects." Pictures show focused volunteers digging through the soil in search of the treasure hoard, which consisted of over 200 artifacts. "In this case, the hoard includes around 200 objects, mostly made of silver, hacksilver, fragments of Arabic coins (dirhams), bar pieces and jewelry," the statement noted. Officials added, "Particularly noteworthy is a delicate cross pendant – an early testament to the beginning of Christianization in the region." "Particularly noteworthy is a delicate cross pendant – an early testament to the beginning of Christianization in the region." The ALSH also noted that hoard finds typically consist of "buried or submerged objects that were either hidden to protect them from others or laid down as offerings." A ceramic shard and a whetstone were also found at the site, which officials believe may be "possible indications of a previously unknown settlement." "The finds offer fascinating insights into the history of the 10th century, a time of trade, cultural exchange, and religious transformation," the statement concluded. The Viking Age lasted from roughly 800 A.D. to 1050 A.D., meaning that the hoard dates back to the later part of the era. The discovery comes as many recent Viking-related finds have been uncovered across Europe. In Sweden, officials recently announced the discovery of a Viking grave with "Christian overtones" on the outskirts of Linköping.
NDTV
16-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
1,000-Year-Old Viking-Era Artefact Could Be Thor's Hammer In Making
Archaeologists in northern Germany have uncovered a significant Viking-era hoard dating back to the Early Middle Ages. The discovery was made by the Schleswig-Holstein State Archaeological Office (ALSH) in collaboration with the Schleswig-Holstein Detector Group. The artefacts were found near the banks of the Schlei River, close to Haithabu (also known as Hedeby), a major maritime trading centre in northern Europe from the 9th to the mid-11th century. The hoard includes around 200 silver objects - hack silver, Arab coin fragments (dirhams), ingots, and jewellery - shedding new light on the region's trading networks and cultural exchanges. Among the most intriguing finds is a finely crafted filigree pendant. Archaeologists believe it could be either a Christian cross or an unfinished Thor's hammer - two powerful symbols representing competing belief systems during the Viking Age. "If it is a cross, it may be one of the earliest signs of Christianisation in the region," said Birte Anspach, spokesperson for the State Archaeological Office. She noted the find may be linked to the missionary journeys of St Ansgar, who travelled to the area in the 9th century. However, Anspach added that conversion was gradual. "Ansgar didn't arrive and suddenly everyone turned away from the old gods. Christianisation was a long process, taking generations. Most people around Haithabu remained pagan for the next century." A metal detectorist in Germany uncovered a Viking Age hoard near Haithabu, featuring around 200 treasures, including Arabic coins and a pendant possibly symbolizing early Christianisation or Thor's hammer. Insights reveal cultural exchanges in the 10th century. — Nyra Kraal (@NyraKraal) June 14, 2025 Interestingly, the pendant's eyelet is on the longer arm - suggesting it would hang upside down if it were a cross, possibly indicating it was meant to be a Thor's hammer instead. Thor's Hammer And Its Connection To Norse Mythology In Norse mythology, Thor's hammer - Mjolnir - was said to possess divine powers. Forged by dwarves, it was wielded by the god Thor in his battles against giants and remains a potent symbol of Norse paganism.
