In a remarkable stroke of luck, Erlend Bore, a hobbyist metal detectorist, recently unearthed a sensational 1500-year-old gold treasure on the island of Rennesøy in Stavanger, southwestern Norway. Labelled “the gold find of the century in Norway” by museum experts, this discovery includes nine gold pendants adorned with rare horse symbols, ten gold beads, and three exquisite gold rings—all dating back to the 6th century.
Erlend, who took up metal detecting as a hobby to get more active, stumbled upon this treasure merely a few months after purchasing his metal detector. While exploring the shores of Rennesøy, his device signaled the presence of metal beneath the soil. Initially mistaking the glint for chocolate coins, Erlend soon realized he had uncovered something extraordinary.
The highlight of the find is the nine bracteates—thin, gold medallions once part of a luxurious necklace likely worn by the elite of society. These artifacts, known for their flat and round shape, are not just decorative but steeped in significant historical and cultural symbolism. “Finding so many bracteates together is exceptionally rare, and we haven’t seen anything like this since the 19th century,” explained Håkon Reiersen, associate professor at the Museum of Archaeology in Stavanger.
The discovery sheds light on the Migration Period and the subsequent Merovingian Age—a time marked by significant social upheaval, including crop failures and plagues. Experts believe that these treasures might have been buried as part of a ritual offering to the gods during these desperate times.
Further adding to the intrigue, these bracteates feature a unique motif—a horse in distress, which contrasts with the typical depictions of Norse mythology, such as the god Odin. This imagery resonates with the themes of suffering and hope during the period, paralleling the rise of Christian symbols like the cross in the Roman Empire.
According to Dagfinn Skre, a Professor of Archaeology, these gold pendants might also represent badges of honor, gifts from kings to their most trusted men, symbolizing loyalty and allegiance.
Erlend’s responsible action in immediately reporting his find enabled archaeologists to secure the site and conduct further investigations, which may offer deeper insights into the historical significance of this location.
This incredible find not only highlights the richness of Norway’s archaeological heritage but also underscores the thrilling possibilities that await amateur treasure hunters equipped with little more than curiosity and a metal detector.
