Initial scientific and archaeological studies verify the authenticity of the grave goods acquired in 2007. By dating the objects to the first half of the 5th century, they form a link between the late Roman graves of the ‘chef militaire’ and the early Merovingian ruler’s graves with gold-hilt spathae.

The find complex includes the gold-hilt spatha with matching equipment, including a locket with runic inscriptions, other weaponry, mounts from the belt and insignia. The high rank of the deceased is further evident in additional grave offerings of the horse harness and a rich set of glassware, bronze plates, and terra sigillata vessels. From a typological and chronological perspective, the complex appears to be a closed find. Analysis of fabrication technique and archaeometrical investigations should shed light on the cultural-historical background of the old find for which no records exist as to the exact location of its discovery.

Contact person: Dr. Marion Bertram, research associate, Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte