The richest medieval treasure discovered in Holland

An exhibition is opening at the Museum of Antiquities of the Netherlands, which will present the rarest treasure for this country with medieval coins and jewelry. The discovery was made back in 2021, but it was only reported now

Dutch historian Lorenzo Ruijter discovered a unique 1,000-year-old treasure with a metal detector. He informed the regional heritage authorities about his discovery, made in the town of Hogwoud (Opmeer municipality in North Holland). He had to hide his discovery for two years while the National Museum of Antiquities cleaned, conserved and examined the treasure before announcing the incredible find.

The most valuable part of the treasure are four gold crescent-shaped pendant earrings. Together with them, in a bundle or bag (judging by the remains of fabric found), two matching thin gold sheets and 39 small silver coins were kept.

Coins minted in the territory of the modern Netherlands and Germany date back to the period between 1200 and 1248, that is, the treasure was buried in the middle of the 13th century. At the same time, the jewels hidden along with the coins are about 200 years older, they were made in the 11th century.

Pendant earrings are very large, more than five centimeters wide. Two of them are decorated with intricate filigree patterns, while the other two are engraved with decorative scenes. One of the pendants depicts a man's head wearing a sunburst crown. Experts have suggested that this is a portrait of Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun) - the Roman god of the Sun.

Many of the coins date back to the reign of Germany's "anti-king" William II, Count of Holland, who was elected to the throne to challenge the legitimate Hohenstaufen rulers of the Holy Roman Empire.

It is worth paying attention to one more aspect. According to the laws of the Netherlands, the found treasure became the property of Ruyters, who found the treasure.