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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.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Metal Detectorist Finds Viking Hoard With Link to Norse God
In Germany, a metal detectorist has unearthed a 1,000-year-old Viking hoard which contains more than 200 artifacts, including what may be the remnants of Thor's hammer, Live Science reported. The cache, discovered by Arjen Spießwinkel in the northern city of Haithabu, contained an assortment of items from across Europe, including pure metal ingots, Arabic and silver coins, and a whetstone for sharpening weapons and tools. But the pièce de résistance was a pendant which scientists believe could be a cross, or 'an unfinished Thor's hammer.' Birte Anspach, a spokesperson for the State Archaeological Office of Schleswig-Holstein, said that if the item does prove to be a cross, it could be "an early sign of the onset of Christianisation" in the area. Haithabu was a port city and an influential trade hub during the Viking Age, and Christianity began to spread around the ninth century when St. Ansgar, then Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen, came to the community. "However, it was not the case that Ansgar came and suddenly everyone turned away from the old gods and followed the Christian faith," Anspach explained. "Christianisation was a long process that spanned several generations."But the mysterious item could also be an unfinished Thor's hammer, as it was common prior to the spread of Christianity to wear pendants which symbolized ancient Norse gods. In mythology, the hammer, Mjölnir, was used by Thor to battle giant deities. Researchers will conduct further analyses to determine what exactly the pendant is, as well as where and when it was constructed. "These finds offer fascinating insights into the history of the 10th century—a time of intensive trade, cultural exchange and religious change," Anspach said. "It is therefore not surprising to discover a hoard near the Schlei. Whether it is actually a hidden depot or whether there was a settlement nearby cannot be said for certain at this stage." Metal Detectorist Finds Viking Hoard With Link to Norse God first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 18, 2025
