In an exciting and unexpected find, archaeologists have uncovered about 170 silver coins in a medieval graveyard on the Swedish island of Visingsö. This remarkable discovery, dating back to the mid-12th century, not only provides new insights into the medieval history of the region but also challenges existing understandings of burial customs and coin circulation in medieval Götland. The Jönköping County Museum announced this significant find on March 27th in a press release translated from Swedish to English.
Discovery of the Silver Coins
During a geothermal installation project at the Brahekyrkan church on Visingsö, archaeologists stumbled upon an extraordinary find—approximately 170 silver coins buried in the grave of a young man. The man was estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old at the time of his death. The silver coins, known as bracteates, were produced between 1150 and 1180 and were used as jewelry. The coins were discovered near the man’s left foot, which further intrigued the archaeologists.
Anna Ödéen, the project manager and archaeologist, shared her experience: “On the very first day, my colleague Kristina Jansson and I found two skeletons in the shaft where the wires were to be laid. We cleaned out the bones from the buried to get an idea of what the graves looked like. All of a sudden three silver coins appeared! We soon realized that many more were lying close to the buried person’s left foot.”
The Significance of the Find
The discovery is considered extremely unique for several reasons. Firstly, few similar finds from this period have been documented, making this a rare and valuable contribution to the understanding of medieval coin history in the region. Additionally, some of the coins were previously unknown, adding to the excitement surrounding the find. Alongside the coins, the excavation also uncovered 24 graves and 20 hearths, indicating that the site has a long history of activity dating back to at least the Roman Iron Age.
An Unconventional Burial Site
One of the most puzzling aspects of the discovery is the location of the graves. The 20 graves were found outside the church wall, on unconsecrated ground, which is unusual for Christian burials of the time. Anna Ödéen explained, “During parts of our history, someone who committed suicide could not be given what the church called ‘an honorable burial,’ and the same was true for unbaptized children and serious criminals. However, it turned out that it was not just one grave, but many more. All lay in the same direction, well aligned with each other, and at the same depth. It was therefore an organized burial site, where they should also have had a marking above ground.”
Continuing the Investigation
Findings in Christian cemeteries from this era are uncommon, which adds to the significance of the Visingsö discovery. The reason why this young man was buried with so many coins remains a mystery that archaeologists hope to unravel as they continue their work. Eeva Jonsson from the Royal Coin Cabinet commented on the impact of the find, stating, “It is a completely sensational find that will change the early medieval coin history in Götaland and shed light on a period that is largely completely unknown.”
Conservation and Analysis
The coins are now undergoing conservation work and detailed analysis by Kenneth Jonsson, a numismatics expert. The collection includes a handful of two-sided Gotland coins, adding further depth to the study of this remarkable find. The results of this analysis are eagerly anticipated as they will provide more information on the historical context and significance of the coins.
Conclusion
The discovery of these 850-year-old silver coins in an ancient grave on Visingsö is a significant archaeological find that promises to shed new light on medieval history in Sweden. As the investigation continues, archaeologists hope to uncover more about the burial customs and the individual buried with such a valuable collection of coins. This find not only enriches our understanding of the past but also highlights the importance of preserving and studying historical sites.
