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Unique Byzantine gold in the heart of Norway
Categories: Nálezy nejenom s detektorem ve Skandinávii
In the famous mountain resort of Vestre Slidre, a rare Byzantine gold coin from the 10th century was discovered in first-class quality with the help of a metal detector. It is very well preserved, almost untouched by circulation. It is quite unique in the Norwegian context, the first of its kind discovered in this Nordic country...
Histamenon nomisma was one of the most sought-after Byzantine solidi. Its weight of 4.55 grams of pure 24k gold was maintained with incredible precision from the 4th century until the end of the 10th century. This coin was minted in distant Constantinople, from where it made the 2,500 km journey to Norway.
The face of the coin is decorated with the image of Christ Pantokrator, the almighty ruler, with the New Testament in his left hand and blessing with his right. On the reverse are the crowned busts of Basil II. Porphyrogenitus and Constantine VIII, legendary brothers - rulers of the Byzantine Empire. Latin inscriptions on both sides proclaim: "Jesus Christ, King of Kings" and "Basil and Constantine, Emperors of the Romans" respectively.
How did this rare coin get to Norway? The answer may lie in the travels of Harald III. Also known as Harald Hardrada. This future king of Norway spent decades in the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire, from where he made a considerable fortune. It was customary at the time that the personal guard had the right to ransack the palace and take all valuables when the emperor died. During Harald's service in Byzantium, three emperors died. After leaving Kiev in 1046, Harald set out for Norway with an experienced retinue of warriors, ships fully laden with gold and other valuables to claim the Norwegian throne.
It is also possible that the coin was lost by one of the travelling clerics or came to the region through trade in salt and herring from the west or iron ingots and reindeer skins from the east. Vestre Slidre stands among the old trade and salt routes that ran through the Valdres region of the diocese of Bjørgvin until 1125.
The rare autumn find created excitement in the archaeological community, but due to bad weather the planned excavation had to be postponed until spring. Perhaps more unique coins or objects from Harald's time will be discovered at the site...
Roman Nemec
Sources: innlandetfylke.no, vg.no, nrk.no
one side depicts a christ
the other side depicts the emperors Basil II and Constantine III.
from the saga of Harald
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