In a surprising turn of events, a remarkable discovery has emerged from Norway, shedding light on an intriguing piece of history. Grete Margot Sørum stumbled upon a cache of nearly 1,000-year-old iron bars while tidying her parents’ home, unveiling a treasure trove that had lain hidden for decades. This find, described as unique and captivating by archaeologists, offers fascinating insights into ancient currency practices.
These iron bars may have been used as a means of payment both in the Iron Age and in the Middle Ages. They were made of iron from Valdres and were all cast in the same shape. Photo: Mildri Een Eide / Innlandet Fylkeskommune.
The iron bars, weighing approximately 50 grams each, were meticulously crafted and adorned with a distinctive flaw, suggesting they may have served as currency during either the Viking Age or the Middle Ages. The discovery, comprising 32 identical bars bound together in a bundle, hints at their potential role in facilitating trade and commerce across the region. Remarkably, such finds are rare, with this particular cache evading detection for over 40 years.
The defects on the iron bar were found together in a bundle. Photo: Mildri Een Eide / Innlandet Fylkeskommune.
Sørum’s father originally unearthed these bars while excavating a well on their property in the 1980s, yet they remained tucked away until Sørum’s recent discovery. Located near the historic King’s Road in Aurdal, Valdres, the site holds significant historical significance, serving as a vital trade route between Oslo and Bergen a millennium ago.
Valdresflye, a mountain road in Valdres. Photo: Roger Ellingsen / Statens Vegvesen.
Following Sørum’s revelation, the bars were entrusted to the Valdres Folk Museum, eventually finding their way to the Cultural Heritage department of the Innlandet county municipality. Now housed at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, archaeologists eagerly delve into these artifacts, unraveling their secrets and enriching our understanding of Norway’s past.
This remarkable find adds to a series of recent Viking discoveries in Norway, underscoring the enduring fascination with this enigmatic era. From silver rings to fragments of ancient coins, each artifact offers a glimpse into a bygone era, sparking curiosity and igniting the imagination of historians and enthusiasts alike.