German metal detectorists have unearthed Viking-era reservoirs filled with approximately 200 items of wealth from the European realm, including Arabian coins, ingots, crosses, and unfinished pendants featuring Thor’s Hammer.
If the pendant is a cross, it signifies an “early indication of the beginnings of Christianization” in this area, according to Birdte Anspach, a spokesperson for the Schleswig Holstein state archaeology office, who communicated this to Live Science via email.
The artifacts were uncovered in northern Germany, close to Highsub, dating back to the Viking era (AD 793-1066). Christianity began to take root in the High Sub when St. Ansgar visited in the 9th century.
“However, it wasn’t as if Ansgar arrived and instantly everyone turned away from the old gods to embrace Christianity,” Anspach remarked. “The transition to Christianity was a prolonged process that unfolded over several generations.”
For the next hundred years, most individuals in High Sub continued practicing paganism. Nevertheless, since archaeologists have found Christian symbols in burials from this era, this pendant might belong to some of the early converts.
The eyelet of the pendant “is located on the elongated part of the ‘cloth,’ meaning when worn, the piece hangs upside down,” Anspach explained.
There is also the possibility that the pendant represents an unfinished Thor’s hammer. Such a pendant is an emblem of Devotion to the Old Norse Gods at a time when Christianity was becoming established in Scandinavia and other European regions. In Norse mythology, the hammer known as Mjolnir was crafted by dwarves for the gods of Valhalla, and Thor later wielded it in his battles against the Giants.
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Discovery by the Baltic Sea
The 1,000-year-old cache was unearthed by Argenspierwinkel, a member of Schleswig-Holstein’s volunteer detection group. All volunteers are required to complete a four-day training course and exam before receiving authorization to excavate the area with a metal detector. Recently making notable historical finds, Spießwinkel had been surveying along Schrey, the Baltic inlet adjacent to Highsub.
In addition to pendants, ingots, and dirhams (Arabic coins), the cache contained hacksilver, ceramic shards, and stones used for tool sharpening, suggesting the presence of undiscovered nearby settlements.
“These finds offer intriguing insights into 10th-century history: a time characterized by vigorous trade, cultural interactions, and shifts in religious beliefs,” Anspach stated. “Thus, discovering a cache near Schrey is not unreasonable. However, it remains uncertain at this point whether it is indeed a hidden hoard or part of a nearby settlement.”
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Source: www.livescience.com