A metal detectorist has unearthed a rare Merovingian gold ring in Emmerlev, Southwest Jutland, Denmark. Dating back to 500-600 CE, the ring is crafted from 22-carat gold and adorned with an oval cabochon almandine garnet, a prized red semi-precious stone symbolizing power among Germanic peoples.

Credit: National Museum of Denmark

Unearthed by metal detectorist Lars Nielsen in 2020, the find remained under wraps until now, allowing experts to investigate the site in Emmerlev without interference thoroughly.

The discovery signifies a connection between southwestern Jutland and the influential Merovingian dynasty of France. The ring’s design, featuring four spirals on the underside and trefoil knobs where the band meets the bezel, showcases the highest quality of Frankish craftsmanship, indicative of its elite wearer.

Experts from the National Museum of Denmark and Museum Sønderjylland have analyzed the ring, suggesting that its presence in Emmerlev indicates the existence of a princely family with close ties to the Merovingian rulers.

Kirstine Pommergaard, a curator at the National Museum, suggests that the ring likely belonged to a noblewoman from Emmerlev, possibly a daughter of local royalty married into the Merovingian dynasty. Pommergaard emphasizes the diplomatic significance of such adornments, often exchanged as gifts to solidify political alliances.

“The gold ring not only reveals a possible new princely family in Emmerlev but also connects the area with one of Europe’s largest centers of power in the Iron Age,” she says.

Further examination of the site has revealed a rich archaeological landscape, with nearly a thousand ancient and medieval artifacts discovered, including gold and silver trade coins, textiles, and ceramics. This evidence underscores the bustling international trade that characterized the region for centuries, with Emmerlev likely serving as a key hub within the lucrative trading network of the Wadden Sea.

Anders Hartvig, a museum curator at Museum Sønderjylland suggests that the princely family may have controlled trade routes between Ribe and Hedeby, securing vital resources and fostering alliances.

Moreover, the ring’s design and materials offer intriguing insights into diplomatic exchanges and marriage alliances of the time. Pommergaard notes, “Gold was typically reserved for diplomatic gifts, and we know that people married into alliances, just as it probably happened with Thyra and Gorm the Old.”

Nielsen, the fortunate discoverer, expresses his pride in contributing to local and national history through his find. He hopes that future generations will cherish the ring’s legacy and preserve its historical significance. He has even had a replica of the ring made as a cherished family heirloom.