The gold medallions were sacrificed during the ritual

Seven gold pendants were discovered in southeastern Norway. Archaeologists say it's a rare treasure unprecedented in the last 70 years. The jewellery is believed to have been used during a sacrificial ritual.

They're Nordic brakteats, which are about 1,500 years old. They were basically gold medals worn around the neck like a jewel. They were made in northern Europe during the Iron Age migration between the fourth and sixth centuries.

They resembled Roman medallions, but had Nordic motifs such as gods or animals. The Nordic bractates date from the pre-Viking Age. Archaeologists say they are certain that the medallions found were used as offerings to the gods.

"They definitely belonged to someone rich. Only people of high status could afford such a rich sacrifice. There is no doubt that these were jewels associated with aristocratic communities within the Germanic elite in Scandinavia," the archaeologists wrote on the Science Norway blog.

The pendants are in remarkably good condition considering they have been lying in clay soil for more than a thousand years. According to the archaeologists, this is because the gold is quite durable. "The medallions are made of relatively pure gold, but they are quite fragile. They bend easily," the archaeologists added.

They are not sure whether the medallions were "buried" before or after the so-called Fimbul winter. This was the period between 536 and 540, when major volcanic eruptions occurred. The volcanoes are said to have spewed so much ash that no sunlight shone through the dust clouds for almost a year. This also affected plant growth, resulting in mass starvation.

"It was during this period that the gods needed pleasure. In times of bad years and uncertainty, people may have felt a heightened need to try to avoid danger at all costs, so they looked for ways to protect themselves," the archaeologists say.

Brakteats were made from gold leaf into which various motifs were pressed. Hunting, equestrian or warrior themes were common. Almost every one had some sort of runic inscription on it. Norway has rich archaeological finds dating back to the pre-Viking Age. Artefacts have been found in fields, graves and fortresses.

Source: www.lifeinnorway.net