Gold ring with engraving of the face of Christ

In Kalmar, southeastern Sweden, a gold ring with an engraving of the face of Christ from the early 15th century was discovered during two years of research. The jewel was lying in a waste layer and is still as new, in almost pristine condition. It was probably worn only briefly and then accidentally lost. It is of Nordic origin and, given its size, probably belonged to a wealthy lady.

Research in the historic old town revealed the remains of 50 medieval plots, including ten streets and parts of the original city wall in Gamla Stan. The remains of hundreds of buildings, vaulted cellars, streets, latrines, wells and everyday objects date from between 1250 and 1650. They were brought to light again after the Kalmar War in 1611. According to archaeologists, the findings have exceeded all expectations.

Other interesting objects from the waste layer include the so-called 'Alsengem', a glass pilgrim's amulet named after the Danish island of Als, where the first examples were discovered. It was meant to protect its wearer from misfortune on the road. It dates from the 13th to 14th centuries and bears engravings of three figures. Since only the bottom of the amulet has survived, it was probably deliberately discarded as a broken piece.

In total, over 30,000 artefacts have been discovered. The excavation also revealed a rune stone that appears to have come from a 12th-century burial mound. There's also an interesting brick with a cat's paw print. A large number of projectiles such as cannonballs, musket balls and pistol cartridges also attest to the impact of the Kalmar War. Numerous knives and swords have been discovered.

Never before have archaeologists had the opportunity to investigate such a large contiguous area of medieval Kalmar (or any medieval city). The results exceeded all expectations and opened a window into the daily life of the medieval inhabitants of the city. The research will continue and experts hope that it will yield further valuable information and findings.

Roman Němec

Sources: foxweather.com, yahoo.com, thehistoryblog.com

ring in situ

ring with an engraving of the face of Christ

Alsengem with reconstructed missing part

one of the excavated cellars

A limestone rune slab from a 12th-century cairn.