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1,000-year-old sword decorated with spiritual symbols found in Dutch river

CNN's profile
Original Story by CNN
June 24, 2025
1,000-year-old sword decorated with spiritual symbols found in Dutch river

Context:

A medieval sword dating from 1050 to 1150 has been discovered during a dredging operation on a river in the Netherlands and is now on display at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden. The well-preserved sword, made from high-quality iron from Veluwe, measures one meter in length and features gold-colored copper inlays forming a cross and an endless knot, as well as a long crossguard and a nut-shaped pommel. It is believed to have been intentionally deposited in the river, reflecting a medieval tradition of either burying swords with their owners or ritually placing them in water, which often results in exceptional preservation. The sword exemplifies a transitional phase in military tactics from vertical slashing to horizontal thrusting, a change characteristic of its era when the region was governed by the Bishop of Utrecht amidst conflicts with the Counts of Holland and Flanders. The preservation is attributed to the oxygen-poor wet soil, which shielded the iron from corrosion, though the organic components like the wooden grip have deteriorated over time.

Dive Deeper:

  • The medieval sword, found in the Dutch river during a dredging operation, is now displayed at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden after being donated following its discovery at the Linschoten Estate on March 1, 2024.

  • Dating from 1050 to 1150, the sword is crafted from high-quality iron sourced from Veluwe and features intricate gold-colored copper inlays forming a cross and an endless knot, which are spiritual symbols from that era.

  • Remarkably well-preserved due to its burial in oxygen-poor wet soil, the sword's iron remains intact, though organic materials like the wooden grip have decayed, with traces still visible on the hilt.

  • This sword, measuring one meter in length and designed to be wielded with one hand, represents a transitional period in medieval warfare tactics, shifting from vertical slashing to horizontal thrusting techniques.

  • It is believed that the sword was intentionally placed in the river, a common medieval practice to either bury swords with their owners or deposit them in water as a ritual, which often aids in their preservation.

  • At the time of its creation, the area was under the rule of the Bishop of Utrecht, who faced conflicts with the rising powers of the Counts of Holland and Flanders, influencing the martial strategies of the period.

  • The sword's exceptional preservation provides insights into the material culture and martial practices of medieval Europe, highlighting the importance of such artifacts in understanding historical transitions.

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