A Norwegian on foot on doctor’s advice found rare 6th-century gold jewelery using a newly purchased metal detector, archaeologists said on Thursday was Norway’s “gold discovery of the century”.
“At first I thought it was a brown coin or a Captain Sabertooth coin,” said Erlend Bore, 51, referring to the fictional Norwegian pirate.
“It’s completely untrue.”
The cache consisted of nine Norwegian gold medals and gold pearls that once formed a lavish necklace, as well as three gold rings.
Archaeologists say the find is unique because of the design on the medallion – a type of horse from Norse mythology.
Norwegian man Erlend Bore found 6th century gold jewelry while he was walking with a metal detector. NTB/Arkeologisk Museum, UiS /AFP via Getty Images
Archaeologists say the find is unique because it contains a Norse mythological horse design. NTB Museum/Arkeologisk, UiS/AFP via Getty Images
Erlend Bore bought the metal detector because his doctor told him to do more exercise. NTB Museum/Arkeologisk, UiS/AFP via Getty Images
Bore, who dreamed of becoming an archaeologist as a child, made the discovery on farmland near Stavanger in August after he bought a metal detector on his doctor’s recommendation to get more exercise.
He had been out searching and was about to return home that day when the device suddenly started beeping on the hillside.
He called an archaeologist, who took over the search.
Erlend Bore made a discovery near a farmer’s land. NTB/AFP via Getty Images
This gem dates back to around 500 AD. NTB Museum/Arkeologisk, UiS/AFP via Getty Images
Experts call it “the golden find of the century.” NTB Museum/Arkeologisk, UiS/AFP via Getty Images
Experts say that finding this much gold in one location is extremely rare. NTB Museum/Arkeologisk, UiS/AFP via Getty Images
The gem, which weighs a little more than 100 grams, was found so far around 500 AD.
“It is the gold find of the century in Norway,” said Ole Madsen, head of the Stavanger University Archaeological Museum.
“To find that much gold at once is very unusual.”
The most recent comparable discovery in Norway dates back to the 19th century.
“Given the location of the find and what we know from other similar finds, this could be a matter of either a hidden treasure or an offering to the gods during a dramatic time,” says Professor Hakon Reiersen.
In accordance with Norwegian law, both Bore and the landowner will receive a reward although the amount is yet to be determined.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
