Viking Treasure
A father and son treasure hunting team in Britain has discovered the most important viking treasure trove found in the last 150 years. The discovery was actually made in January and kept secret until authorities decided whether or not to declare it treasure under British law. The find could be worth as much as £1 million. The finders, David and Andrew Whelan, would receive half of the sale amount with the landowner getting the rest.
Culture minister Margaret Hodge said today: "Finds such as this are invaluable in teaching us about our history. I commend David and Andrew Whelan for their prompt and responsible reporting of this hugely significant find, which will enrich our understanding of the Vikings."
The treasure includes 617 silver coins, complete ornaments and ingots.
Experts say it illustrates the diversity of cultural contacts in the medieval world, with some of objects coming from as far as Afghanistan in the east and Ireland in the west, as well as Russia, Scandinavia and continental Europe.
The single most important piece is the gilt silver vessel, made in what is now France in the ninth century. It was intended for use in church services and was possibly either looted from a monastery by Vikings or given to them in tribute.
Most of the smaller objects were hidden inside this vessel, which was itself protected by some form of lead container. As a result, the pieces were extremely well-preserved.
The treasure was probably buried for safekeeping by a wealthy Viking leader during the unrest that followed the conquest of the Viking kingdom of Northumbria in AD 927 by the Anglo-Saxon king Athelstan.
The only picture of the trove in the paper does not give much detail. The British museum will be the buyer of the find once they have raised funds to do so.
By Lars Walker, Thursday, 19 July , 2007 @ 11:29 am
Thanks for the heads up. I shall be putting in my claim immediately, as I am acknowledged by all serious authorities as the rightful owner of all Viking treasure everywhere.
By Sylvia, Thursday, 19 July , 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Worth a trip to England to see!
By wheels, Friday, 20 July , 2007 @ 9:37 am
It would look good alongside this exhibit.