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Homeowner Unearths Largest Viking Silver Hoard in Denmark
Confirmed
In Short: A Danish homeowner stumbled upon the largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found in the country while gardening in his backyard.
A Danish homeowner has discovered the largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found in Denmark, unearthing a trove of nearly 700 objects including silver bars, bracelets, and 50 coins, according to reports. The homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, was digging out stubborn grass and stones for a new terrace when their shovel struck something that sounded different, leading to the discovery of the significant archaeological find.
The hoard, which is nearly three times heavier than the previous largest Viking Age silver hoard in Denmark, was found in North Jutland and consists of almost 700 objects, including a small Thor's hammer artefact that likely served as a lucky charm. According to archaeologist Torben Sarauw from the Museums of North Jutland, 'This is a find of great importance for our understanding of the Viking Age in Denmark.
Remarkably, nearly 320 of the objects were found whole in their original clay vessel, while the rest were scattered as fragments in the soil around it. The hoard is dominated by bars, jewellery, and silver clips, with coins only making up a very small part of the total weight, a peculiarity not seen in previously discovered Viking treasure in Denmark. 'When we analyse the weight of the silver objects, the treasure reveals information about the economic practices of the Viking Age,' Dr Sarauw explained.
The discovery, which is nearly three times bigger than the previous largest Viking Age silver hoard in Denmark, includes two Anglo-Saxon silver pennies minted during the reign of Edward the Elder, who ruled from 899 to 924. The hoard is believed to have been placed in the clay vessel and likely buried sometime in the 10th century. 'It should’ve just been a few hours of hard gardening work removing stubborn grass, stones, and gravel for a new tiled terrace, but it turned out to be the biggest surprise of my life,' the homeowner said.
Archaeologists could see signs of this practice in the Rebild hoard as well, where a large number of silver bars, bracelets, and scraps were found grouped around specific weight groups. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the economic practices and cultural practices of the Viking Age in Denmark, as well as providing insights into the trade and wealth of the period.
Background
Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the north Atlantic Ocean.
What's confirmed
- “It should’ve just been a few hours of hard gardening work removing stubborn grass, stones and gravel for a new tiled terrace, but it turned out to be the biggest surprise of my life," said the homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous.
What's still developing
- People often cut silver into smaller pieces or melted it down.