Archaeologists from the Czech Republic’s Rakovník Museum have just announced the discovery of a rare Bohemian gold ring and clasp dating back to the 5th century. Excavated last summer by archaeologists amateur metal detectorist working near the western Bohemian town of Rakovník, this stunning set of jewelry sparkles with exotic gems.
According to experts from the Sorbonne in Paris, who helped Czech archaeologists study the artifacts, the garnets and almandines probably originated in India or Sri Lanka. For this reason, the team of archaeologists announced that the Migration Period ring is one of the “unique in Europe”.
Amateur metal detectorists have found a trove of 5th-century Bohemian jewelry, including a gold ring, clasps or buckles and other items. (Central Bohemia Region – Regional Administration)
Was the Bohemian gold ring made for the fingers of the Royal Family?
The researchers have not revealed the exact location of their incredible gold discovery, suspecting that there may still be more loot buried nearby. In fact, in April this year, a team of archaeologists from the Rakovník Museum returned to the site and discovered a gilded horse halter dating from the late 6th century. Article This was discovered just 2 km (1.23 mi) from where the Bohemian gold ring and lock were unearthed.
Scientists analyzed the Bohemian gold ring, finding that the garnets and almandines likely came from India or Sri Lanka. (Central Bohemia Region – Regional Administration)
According to a report on Archeology News Network, this discovery was only announced this week because for nearly a year, the team of archaeologists has been studying rare artifacts from the Bohemia region. Among the tests performed are X-rays, CT scans, microscopes and spectrometers.
Their investigation led them to conclude that the ring was “absolutely extraordinary.” Thanks to similarities with other discoveries, such as objects from the tomb of the Frankish king Childeric I in Belgium, who died in 481 AD, scientists were also able to date great precision of the ring.
The artifacts were found buried near the western Bohemian town of Rakovník in the Czech Republic. (Central Bohemia Region – Regional Administration)
Royal treasure buried on prehistoric railway tracks
Kateřina Blažková, an archaeologist from the Rakovník Museum, said the discovery was “very unique” because the ring was intact and “almost new.” The Bohemian gold ring was discovered with a clasp or buckle, broken into three pieces. “They definitely belonged to a member of the ruling class,” Blažková explains.
Furthermore, Blažková concluded that “it is now completely clear that the treasure was buried near a road.” But not just any medieval street. Archaeologists have collected evidence that this road has been active since prehistoric times and was rebuilt in the 5th century.
An expert on people’s migration from Charles University, Jaroslav Jiřík supports Blažková’s claim that the artifacts have a noble heritage, RemonNews explains. Jiřík argued that the owner of the jewelry was most likely someone “of noble origin.”
The researcher added that only five other populations from contemporary Europe have ever been discovered, and they always belonged to “someone of the highest social status, someone really important.” Jiřík goes further to say that the owner could be an ambassador “or a king” or someone close to a king.
The items, including this ornate lock, were the property of an individual of high, if not the highest, rank. (Central Bohemia Region – Regional Administration)
Understand how Bohemian jewelry appeared
Following the discovery of all the metal at this site and after further tests have been carried out on the buckle and ring, they will both be displayed at the Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk Museum in Rakovník, Czech Republic next summer . But before we sign off, there’s one remaining question we haven’t addressed. How did the ring on the hand of a king end up buried next to a prehistoric footprint for more than 1,500 years and forgotten until 2020?
The answer to this question is not entirely clear, but Blažková says that the ring could be “part of the loot.” Following this line of thinking, she hypothesized that perhaps someone had carried the loot throughout the Rakovník region, divided it up here and then buried some of it where it was discovered in the Czech Republic.
Blažková added that archaeologists frequently find stolen items at sites during the Migration Period in the 5th and 6th centuries, which they believe are two main reasons why the loot Unclaimed items are related to the perpetrator or to an attack of disease or perhaps a change in terrain that makes a hiding place impossible to find.
