Sunday, June 15, 2025
11th century sword with rare blade inlays found in the Netherlands
If that thing could only talk.
The Linschoten Sword is 1 meter (3.3 feet) long, with a broad crossguard 17 cm (6.7 inches) wide and weighs 840 grams (1.85 lbs). It is double-edged and has a Brazil nut-shaped pommel typical of swords manufactured by Frankish smiths between 1050 and 1150. Swords of this design have been found in western, northern and eastern mainland Europe.
It was discovered on March 1, 2024, during construction of a new revetment on the Korte Linschoten river. The mechanical digger had to go deeper in this section to replace two inlets, and when the bucket rose with its complement of river dredge, a pointed length of metal was sticking out of it.
The contractor recognized that it might be archaeological material and reported it to Montfoort municipal officials who enlisted archaeologists from the ODRU (Utrecht region environmental service) to begin immediate treatment to prevent the sword from rapid deterioration after being exposed to oxygen.
This example is rare for having two incrustations (inlaid symbols of a different metal than the sword) on each side of the blade below the crossguard. On one side, thin strips of bronze are arranged in a sun wheel, an ancient symbol of a circle containing a cross. On the other side, five squares are linked to each other within a circle. This is a continuous or endless knot sign, symbolizing unbreakable friendship and loyalty and used as a talisman in the Viking era (800-1100 A.D.) offering protection. There are three parallel stripes of bronze inlaid on both side of the circles.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
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