Finnish metal detectorist unearths Viking-era silver hoard
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Lappinen, a Finnish metal detectorist, discovered a silver hoard in Sysmä, Finland on September 3rd, and promptly alerted the museum.
Archaeologists then professionally excavated the find, which consisted of two containers made of birch bark hidden between stones about 45 centimeters underground and 12 meters apart. The hoard likely dates from 1000 to 1050 AD and contains thousands of individual items.
Among the discoveries are silver coins originating from areas that now comprise Germany, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as dirhams, silver coins minted in the Islamic world, similar to those previously found in Finland dating from around 800 to 1050 AD. Researchers do not yet know why someone hid the silver, but suggest potential motivations include tax avoidance, votive offerings, or simply safeguarding wealth during uncertain times, based on analysis of Roman-era hoards.
While the find dates to the Viking Age, Esko Tikkala, an archaeologist at the Historical Museum of Lahti, clarified that the term refers to a historical period and does not necessarily mean Vikings themselves owned the treasure, as Finland was not considered part of the Viking world in the same way as Sweden, Norway, or Denmark. The silver itself would be worth almost 10,000 dollars today, though its historical value is more important to researchers.
Archaeologists plan to further investigate the site and meticulously document each coin and item.
