A 7th Century Treasure Found in England: Gold and Garnets from a Ritual Killing.

According to ТСН: Metal detectors in England have discovered an ancient treasure consisting of items made of gold and garnet, which were likely buried about 1400 years ago following a ritual killing.

Gold and garnet jewelry was popular among women in 7th century England. However, according to researcher Brandl, archaeologists usually find them in graves rather than buried on the slopes of hills.

No human remains or other artifacts were found nearby, indicating the intentional burial of the jewelry. This may have been done to hide them or as part of some ritual.

Description of the Findings

The most significant item in the collection is a D-shaped pendant weighing about 6.7 grams. At its bottom is a large garnet set in a gold frame.

The very shape of the shell has important symbolic significance, often associated with fertility and potentially carries a Christian subtext. One version is that this collection originates from a blacksmith's treasure,

— noted Brandl.

In the 7th century, sources of garnet were diminishing, and a traveling jeweler might have gathered several antique pieces for recycling into new accessories. How they were obtained remains a mystery. During that period, tomb raiders often attacked the graves of wealthy women in an attempt to seize the accompanying jewelry.

The burial of the pendants could also have been part of a ritual killing, after which powerful ancient symbols of elite status became new items that no longer had a connection to their former owners.

Remember, in the village of Rozmarky, Great Britain, a treasure with bronze jewelry was found, which had been lying in the ground for about three thousand years.

The find by metal detectors in England not only allows for a deeper understanding of the lifestyles and customs of 7th century people but also emphasizes the importance of rituals in their culture. The preserved jewelry still sparks interest not only among archaeologists but also among historians, as they reflect the evolution of human beliefs and practices over the centuries.