In a remarkable discovery, amateur metal detectorists in Norway have stumbled upon a treasure trove of gold antiques, dating back approximately 1,500 years to the Migration Period. Erlend Bore, a 51-year-old Norwegian man, made the historic find while exploring Rennesoy, a private island off the southwestern coast of Norway.
Gold antiques discovered by Erlend Bore using a metal detector. Photo: Museum of Archeology/UiS
Bore, equipped with a newly purchased metal detector that emits a beep upon scanning the ground, uncovered a collection of gold artifacts, including 9 pendants adorned with rare symbols, 3 gold rings, and 10 gold tablets. The discovery, weighing over 100 grams, is being hailed as Norway’s largest gold treasure of this century.
Local authorities were promptly informed, and the artifacts were examined by experts at the Archaeological Museum of the University of Stavanger. The findings were dated to around the year 500, a period known as the Migration Period or Barbarian Invasion, marked by the absence of Roman rule in Western Europe. Associate Professor Hakon Reiersen, from the University of Stavanger Archaeological Museum, suggests that the gold trove may have been hidden for safety or offered to the gods during times of need, given its location on Rennesoy and comparisons with similar discoveries.
Ole Madsen, the director of the Archaeological Museum of Stavanger University, expressed the significance of the discovery, stating, “This is the discovery of the century for gold in Norway. Finding so much gold at once is extremely unusual.”
Simulating the previous shape of the necklace consisting of 9 gold pendants. Photo: Eli Gil Bell/Museum of Archeology/UiS
The treasure includes nine bracteates, often mistaken for gold coins but are actually decorative items. What sets this find apart is that all nine bracteates depict the same image, forming a visually striking necklace. Professor Reiersen notes that these bracteates were crafted by skilled goldsmiths and were likely worn by individuals of significant societal status. The uniformity in the depictions is a rarity, and no comparable discovery has been made since the 19th century.
The discovery opens a window into the past, shedding light on the craftsmanship, social structures, and possibly religious practices of the people during the Migration Period. The artifacts not only contribute to Norway’s archaeological richness but also pose intriguing questions about the motivations behind concealing such a valuable trove of gold over a millennium ago. As researchers continue to analyze and study these precious artifacts, the newfound treasure promises to enrich our understanding of ancient Scandinavian history.