These fascinating discoveries are remarkable.
Over the years, metal detectorists have managed to unearth some of the most fascinating hoards in history. All sorts of gems were hidden in the ground, from caches of coins to jewels. Precious metals have also been discovered. While the people who buried these hidden treasures probably planned to come back for them, they never did. Hundreds of years later, many archaeologists and metal detectorists discovered some of the world's fascinating treasures. Here's a list of some of the most dazzling hoards that have been discovered so far.
The Vindelev Hoard
A metal detectorist discovered a hoard that dates back to the 6th century CE, in Vindelev, Denmark in 2021. The collection includes 22 gold objects, weighing more than two pounds. Pretty decorated gold discs, known as bracteates, were also included in the collection. The bracteates feature different birds and animals, runic inscriptions, and the profile of a man’s head. Researchers speculate the collection may have been buried underneath an Iron Age longhouse. The value of the objects may mean the owner was of high status. Some experts believe the treasure was buried after a volcanic eruption in the region in 536 CE that was catastrophic.
The Staffordshire Hoard
The largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver was uncovered in 2009 by an amateur metal detectorist in Staffordshire, United Kingdom. The artefacts discovered from that location are called the Staffordshire Hoard. According to reports, the treasure was buried sometime around 600-650 CE. It was a time when the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Britain were at war with each other. The items discovered were objects used by male warriors, which suggests they be of high status. The collection included 500 gold sword pommels. Experts say warriors and kings carried valuable weapons into war. Nine pounds of gold objects and three pounds of silver were also discovered.
The Polish Hoard
In 1935, a medieval coin was discovered in a field in Sluskow, Poland. It was this discovery that prompted a local archaeologist to find out if there was something more to be found in the area. Fortunately, he was right. In 2021, the archaeologist uncovered over 6000 pieces of medieval treasure. The hoard is reportedly is over 900 years old and was found inside linen pouches, which were buried in a pot. Czech, Danish, Hungarian, and German coins were included in the treasure trove. Jewelled rings were also discovered.
