13-year-old child finds thousand-year-old Viking treasure

A discovery made on the island of Rügen in northern Germany has shed light on medieval Scandinavian history. 13-year-old Luca Malaschnitschenko and his teacher, René Schoen, stumbled upon a piece of metal that initially appeared worthless during a routine search with a metal detector. However, it was later realized that this find pointed to a massive treasure belonging to the Viking Kingdom dating back to the 10th century A.D.

Following the initial discovery reported to the authorities, a large-scale excavation was launched on the island under the supervision of archaeologists. As a result of the excavations, around 600 historical items of various sizes were unearthed. It was determined that approximately 100 pieces of this collection, which includes coins, necklaces, pearls, bracelets, and rings, date back to the reign of the famous Danish King Harald Bluetooth.

Experts evaluating the massive treasure emphasized that the findings reflect a commercial accumulation formed over a period of approximately 250 years. Among the most notable artifacts in the collection are a Damascus dirham dating back to 714 A.D. and a penny dated to 983 A.D.

Excavation director Michael Schirren stated, "The findings represent the largest collection of Bluetooth coins unearthed at once in the southern Baltic region, and this is of great importance for the archaeology of the region."

ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN BURIED DURING A PERIOD OF POLITICAL TURMOIL

Archaeologists suggest that this treasure collection likely dates back to the 980s, when King Harald Bluetooth lost his throne and was forced to flee Denmark before his death. Historical records show that Harald Bluetooth was ousted from power by his son, Sweyn Forkbeard, and fled the country. Experts believe that these valuables were likely hidden on the island of Rügen during this escape and were never recovered.

HISTORICAL LINK TO BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY

These unique findings not only impact Viking history but also have a connection to modern technology. The "Bluetooth" wireless communication technology, which is common today, takes its name from Harald Bluetooth, who united the tribes in Scandinavia between 958 and 986 A.D. The origin of the Swedish king's nickname comes from the fact that he had a tooth that appeared blue. The name given to the technology developed in 1997 initially emerged as a temporary codename before becoming permanent.

All the artifacts found have been placed under protection under the supervision of the state's archaeology department for examination.

News Source: 12punto