DOI: 10.33547/terra.fertilis14
The Vindelev hoard in a broader context
by Mads Ravn 
in Terra fertilis, terra deserta. Exploitation of marginal zones, edited by M. J. Przybyła, J. Rodzińska-Nowak and M. Wojenka, Neue Studien zur Sachsenforschung 15, Braunschweig – Kraków: Braunschweigische Landesmuseum, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Profil-Archeo, pp. 241-256.
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Abstract: This paper presents a contextual analysis of the Vindelev hoard, a remarkable 6th-century gold deposit discovered in southeastern Jutland, Denmark. The assemblage, consisting of 23 artefacts including Roman gold medallions, Nordic bracteates, and a decorated scabbard mount, provides important insights into the political, social, and religious dynamics of the Late Roman and Early Germanic Iron Age.
The study aims to situate the hoard within broader regional and supra-regional networks by examining its composition, iconography, and archaeological context. The presence of Roman medallions depicting 4th-century emperors suggests long-standing connections between Scandinavian elites and the Roman Empire, possibly through diplomatic exchange or military service. At the same time, the bracteates—richly decorated with symbolic imagery and runic inscriptions—offer valuable evidence for early Germanic belief systems, including references to figures associated with Odin and aristocratic identity.
The analysis highlights strong links between Vindelev and contemporary centres of power such as Gudme and Zealand, indicating the existence of elite networks maintained through gift exchange, alliances, and possibly proto-feudal structures. The distribution of similar artefacts and die-identical bracteates suggests close interaction among ruling groups across southern Scandinavia.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the hoard was deposited in a settlement context in the mid-6th century, likely in a single event. The intentional folding of some objects and the inclusion of heirlooms spanning several generations point to a ritual offering, possibly in response to a major climatic crisis, such as the mid-6th-century volcanic event.
Overall, the Vindelev hoard provides a unique window into the interplay of power, religion, and long-distance connections in early Scandinavia, illustrating how material culture reflects both local traditions and broader European interactions during a period of significant transformation.