Metal detector, unexpectedly found 2,500 year old ancient sword

An amateur metal detectorist has found a valuable treasure trove in a bog near Veksø, Denmark. Among them is a sword that is about 2,500 years old.

In the spring of 2024, amateur metal detectorist Claus Falsby made an amazing discovery in a swamp near Veskø, Denmark on his first trip. He discovered many valuable artifacts about 2,500 years old , including a sword.

The bronze sword was in the shape of an "S". In addition to the ancient sword, Falsby also found several rings, two axes and several other artifacts. After finding these rare artifacts, Falsby contacted the ROMU museum organization and archaeologist Emil Winther Struve was assigned to examine and analyze the artifacts.

The bronze sword is shaped like an "S".

According to archaeologist Struve, this is a very rare discovery. Previously, archaeologists have found some bronze artifacts in bogs dating to the early and middle Bronze Age. However, they do not have much information about the late Bronze Age.

Archaeologist Struve believes that the artifacts Falsby found with his metal detector may have been buried by ancient people to honor an ancient god through ritual. This may be the reason for the sword's unique shape.

The sword was bent into an 'S' shape before being buried in the bog. The iron rivets in the hilt of the sword are among the earliest known iron rivets in Denmark, dating from around 500 BC.

The sword appears to have been imported from the northern Alps, influenced by the Hallstatt culture that was in the area at the time. "The Hallstatt swords were sturdier, heavier, and more suited to slashing than thrusting, reflecting a change in fighting techniques ," said archaeologist Struve.

Because the sword was curved for ritual purposes, it was no longer an effective weapon in combat, according to archaeologist Struve. However, the craftsmanship and fine materials made it a valuable sacrificial object. He added that sacrificial rituals were common in the early Bronze Age but "declined" in the late Bronze Age.