A group of hobby metal detectorists has discovered two Viking treasures buried a few meters apart near the ruins of the Viking castle Fyrkat in Hobro, northern Denmark.
Treasures both contained many small silver coins and cut-up silver jewelry, which probably served as a means of payment by weight.
The three people who discovered the treasure trove — were Jane Foged-Mønster, Louise Stahlschmidt, and Mette Norre Bækgaard.
Fyrkat is a former Viking ring castle in Denmark that dates back to around 980 AD. Legendary King Harald Bluetooth built several impressive Viking fortresses around 1,000 years ago.
The find — made in autumn last year — dates back to the 900s, when King Harald “Bluetooth” (Blåtand) Gormsson, who united Denmark and Norway. The trove contained over 300 items, including Danish, German, and Arab coins, as well as silver balls, and a ring pin.
Finding Viking treasures is not uncommon in Denmark, but finding two so close to Fyrkat is incredible. The metal detectors who are members of Nordjysk Detektorforening were lucky because due to modern plowing, harrowing, and sowing, the hoards have been disturbed and spread over a larger area.
Full story and pictures at Arkeonews.com
