Gold Ring With Depiction of Christ Found Among 30,000 Artifacts

Archaeologists were able to find an incredible medieval-era gold ring with a depiction of Christ.

Archaeological Excavations

The artifact was found among around 30,000 artifacts found during excavations of Kalmar city in southeastern Sweden, which is situated at the Baltic Sea's edge.

Over the course of two years, archaeologists have been conducting excavations in a central Kalmar area that represents the Old Town of the city. The area served as the city center from the start of the 13th century up until the mid-17th century.

Excavations mainly focused on around 10 streets, 50 medieval plots, and parts of the wall of the Old City. It is odd for massive contiguous regions to undergo excavations at the city's middle. So far, results have exceeded expectations, as noted by the archaeologists.

The specialists were able to uncover the remains of hundreds of streets, cellars, latrines, buildings, and items that date back to 1250 A.D. to 1650 A.D.

Magnus Stibéus, the leader of the excavations, shares that they were able to lift the lid regarding the Middle Ages in the city. They were also granted the chance to learn about how the people used to live, what they drank and ate, and how these things changed as time passed.

Spectacular Finds Among 30,000 Artifacts

Archaeologists were able to note two incredible finds among the 30,000 objects they were able to identify. These two are a gold ring with a depiction of Christ and a special artifact called an alsengem.

The gold ring is believed to date back to the start of the 15th century. It features an image of Christ. Considering the shape and size of the ring, archaeologists think that a woman may have worn it.

On the other hand, the alsengem is a small glass setting stone type that can be found in religious and secular contexts. It is thought to have been used as amulets by pilgrims. The one unearthed in Kalmar is likely from the 13th to 14th century. It also shows three figures that were carved.

Stibéus explains that the gold ring was found in an "almost new condition" and was discovered in contexts that are interpreted to be waste storage. The archaeologist adds that someone could have lost the ring five centuries ago. As for the alsengem, it is broken and could have been thrown.

Other Unusual Findings

Archaeologists also came across other unusual findings, such as a rune stone's remains which may have been from a cemetery burial mound from the 12th century.

Excavations also showed evidence of the Kalmar War, which was when chaos entered the city in 1611. Stibéus explains that their investigations reveal that virtually every farm was burned in connection with the attack of the Danes on the city. This can be seen through razed buildings and fire horizons.

They were also able to discover several projectiles, such as pistol bullets, musket balls, cannonballs, and swords.

Archaeologists note that the fact that such massive areas of the medieval city could be simultaneously investigated makes the efforts quite unique.

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