A recently excavated 1000-year-old sword in great condition is now on display at a museum in Leiden, Netherlands.
The sword was discovered in the Korte Linschoten river on a private estate near the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands. During a construction project, workers stumbled upon a block of clay with a metal protruding out. It turned out to be an exceptionally well-preserved sword, thanks to the surrounding clay, which prevented erosion and rusting. Once exposed to air, the sword had to be immediately handed over to a team of experts for preservation and cleaning, including a 10-week desalination process.
Further investigation revealed that the sword was likely forged between 1050 and 1150 AD. This was indicated by the nut-shaped pommel and a broad hilt. X-ray revealed that the handle might have once been wrapped in leather. On both sides of the sword, there is intricate work done with copper wire, which was common in Germanic and Viking swords. There was no scabbard found.
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The Linschoten Estate (where the sword was found) and the Montfoort city council decided to donate the sword to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden, Netherlands. The sword went up on display recently and will remain there till August, accessible to tourists free of cost. A spokesperson of the city council said: “This sword tells the story of a time when symbolism and spirituality were deeply intertwined, and when a simple design could transcend centuries. Its refined craftsmanship and symbolic depth make it not only a historical relic, but also a work of art that reflects the cultural complexity of early medieval Europe.”
