‘Lost’ Gold Ring Among 30,000 Artifacts Unearthed in Sweden

More than thirty thousand objects, including a gold ring and a crystal amulet, were unearthed during a two-year project in the medieval city of Kalmar, Sweden.

A part of the Swedish government’s National Historical Museums agency, known as Arkaelogerna (Archaeologists), carried out excavation work on roughly fifty medieval plots, a dozen streets, and sections of the old city wall. The project illuminates everyday life over a 400-year-period from 1250 to 1650.

Project director of Arkaelogerna and lead archaeologist Magnus Stibeus said, “We’ve been able to lift the lid on the city’s medieval past and have had the opportunity to study how people lived, what they ate and drank, and how this changed over time. Archaeology becomes like a peephole into medieval history, giving us more insight into how life was hundreds of years ago.”

Some of the more remarkable discoveries include a rare glass alsengem and a gold ring— both of which were found in refuse deposits.

The gold ring discovered during excavations in Sweden

The gold ring is adorned with a Christ motif. Due to its small size, it is thought to date back to the 15th century and is believed to have been worn by a woman. The researchers think it was lost, seeing as it is in near-perfect condition. Gold rings with a certain likeness to this one have been unearthed in other areas, including northern Finland, Ostergotland, and Uppland (Sweden).

Unique Medieval Gold Ring and Amulet Among More than 30,000 Artifacts Found in Kalmar, Sweden https://t.co/ZqXzKYkjfb

— cvetko35 (@cvetko35) March 7, 2024

Another notable discovery is the alsengem, also known as a pilgrim’s amulet, which is adorned with three carved figures. Alsengemmer are tiny crystal stones found in both religious and secular contexts.

Dating from the 13th to 14th century, the stones are named after the Danish island where they were first unearthed. This small glass pebble is broken, so the researchers have concluded it was likely discarded around four hundred years ago.

Also found at the site were several cannonballs, musket balls, pistol bullets, swords, and other items from the 1611 Kalmar War, which was when the Danes attacked the city.

Remains of a rune stone are also among the more unusual finds that the archaeologists have unearthed. The stone may have come from a burial mound in a cemetery that was located in Kalmar in the twelfth century. Another interesting find is a brick cat paw print. In addition, many traces bear witness to war situations and the consequences of the Kalmar War on the city.

Excavations have allowed for a comprehensive look at medieval Kalmar, with remains of buildings, cellars, streets, latrines, and other everyday items being unearthed. Stibeus said, “It is very unusual for such large contiguous areas to be investigated in the middle of a city, and the result exceeds all expectations.”

The archaeological project is considered unique in that it encompassed multiple simultaneous investigations into several parts of the medieval city.