A considerable 10th-century hoard has been unearthed in Germany. The find was made in the region of Schleswig-Holstein, just a few miles from Hedeby (Haithabu in German), one of the most important trading posts of the Viking Age.
The collection, which was discovered by a local metal detectorist, contains a wide array of objects, including coins, jewelry, and signs of industry.
To find out more, The Viking Herald speaks to Birte Anspach, head of press and press relations at the State Archeological Department of Schleswig-Holstein.
By the banks of Schlei
As Birte informs The Viking Herald, the hoard was uncovered by Arjen Spießwinkel, an experienced metal detectorist.
"There is a volunteer detector group here in Schleswig-Holstein," Birte tells us. "Arjen is one of the volunteer detectorists who have been active with us for many years. He has already discovered many new sites."
"This spring, he was traveling along the Schlei, an arm of the Baltic Sea that extends deep inland. At the end of the Schlei lies Haithabu, one of the most important Viking Age settlements in Scandinavia."
"The area around the Schlei has always been a popular settlement area, from the Stone Age to the present day, but especially during the Viking Age."
"Arjen discovered the first artifacts during his tour along the banks of the Schlei," Birte continues. "If someone finds a possible hoard, the State Archaeological Department of Schleswig-Holstein is notified."
"A small excavation then follows: instead of removing the artifacts individually, an area around the find is opened up and carefully examined."
The cross-shaped pendant discovered in the hoard may represent a Thor's hammer or a Christian cross. Photo: ©ALSH (Archaeological Department of Schleswig-Holstein)
Quite the collection
In this case, the investigation revealed something quite extraordinary.
"There were around 200 objects," Birte informs us. "These were mainly made of silver and included hacked silver, fragments of Arabic coins (Dirhams), parts of ingots, and pieces of jewelry."
One particularly notable find was a cross-shaped pendant that some of the team believe could be a Thor's hammer, a clear pagan symbol.
Another theory, however, is that it is a Christian cross. "It could be an early sign of the onset of Christianization," Birte adds. "The eyelet for hanging it is located on the longer part of the 'cross' so that the piece hangs upside down when worn."
"I now think that the cross-shaped pendant is actually a cross. I've already seen a few crosses that had the pendant on the long side in this manner. To be sure, however, further research would be needed."
The finds have been dated to approximately the second half of the 10th century. Birte notes that in addition to the jewelry, the excavation also revealed a shard of pottery and a whetstone used for sharpening cutting tools.
"The practical tools could be evidence of a previously unknown settlement site," Birte tells The Viking Herald. "Collectively, these finds offer fascinating insights into the history of the 10th century, which was a time of intensive trade, cultural exchange, and religious change."
A local detectorist discovered the hoard, leading to an official excavation of the site. Photo: ©ALSH (Archaeological Department of Schleswig-Holstein)
The influence of Hedeby
Birte also believes that the contents of the hoard indicate a likely connection to Hedeby.
The trading center, which flourished from approximately 800 to 1066 CE, enjoyed a strategic position at the end of the Jutland Peninsula and was a key location in trade routes spreading throughout Europe and beyond to the Arab world.
"I do think the finds are connected to Hedeby in some way," Birte asserts. "Hedeby was one of the largest trading centers at that time. There were also several other settlements along the Schlei, which, of course, would also have had some connection with Hedeby."
"The residents of the settlements could have also traded at Hedeby or also worked there, just as the inhabitants of the neighboring villages travel to the town of Schleswig to work and shop today."
Birte admits, however, that we can only speculate about the precise origin of the hoard and how it relates to the wider Viking world. "It is impossible to say how the hoard got there, what actually happened," Birte says.
"But it is not surprising to discover a hoard near the Schlei. Whether it is a hidden depot or whether there was a settlement nearby cannot be said for certain at this stage."
- READ MORE: The Viking history of Germany – A primer
The hoard dates to the late 10th century and includes jewelry, coins, a pottery shard, and a whetstone. Photo: ©ALSH (Archaeological Department of Schleswig-Holstein)
Building the story
As Birte points out to The Viking Herald, every new discovery contributes to the rich tapestry of information about the region and beyond.
"This new site will be entered into our archeological survey, a database that has been continuously expanded with information and find reports for over 100 years," Birte informs us.
"It is a huge archive of archeological knowledge in Schleswig-Holstein. It contains traces from the entire history of mankind, from the Neanderthals to the present day, with over 65,000 documented archeological sites."
Although there are no plans for further excavation in the area, it is hoped that some of the artifacts from the hoard will be made available for viewing by the general public in the future.
"We believe that interventions in archeological monuments should always be avoided, as archeological remains are finite by nature," Birte explains. "Today, our excavations almost exclusively fall within the scope of excavations caused by construction."
"We were able to include this small investigation because it was necessary to see whether it was a hoard or whether there were possibly traces of a settlement," Birte adds.
"We found the hoard, but no evidence of a settlement. Even so, no further investigations are planned for the time being. We have recorded the hoard, very probably in its entirety."
We get to provide readers with original coverage thanks to our loyal supporters. Do you enjoy our work? You can become a PATRON here or via our Patreon page. You'll get access to exclusive content and early access.
Feel free to reach out to discuss potential stories that may be in the public interest. You can reach us via email at hello@thevikingherald.com with the understanding that the information you provide might be used in our reporting and stories.
