The finder, Derek McLennan, and the Carolingian Pot.
Photo: inquisitr

Scottish officials announced on Monday that an amateur metal-detector scavenger literally struck gold, finding a large Viking treasure hoard dating to the 9th and 10th century, Art Daily has reported.

The haul was discovered in Dumfriesshire, southwest Scotland and included over 100 unique artifacts including jewelry such as silver ingots, brooches, armbands, and gold objects of Irish origin. A silver Christian cross and a silver Carolingian pot from Germany was also found.

Stuart Campbell, head of the Treasure Trove Unit who are supervising the field told Art Daily “It is the biggest hoard of Viking material found in Scotland since the 19th century. It’s hugely significant, not just for Britain but for western Europe.” The discovery of jewelry from all over Europe illustrated the nordic warriors’ extensive links to the continent.

Scotland’s culture minister, Fiona Hyslop, said “The Vikings were well known for having raided these shores in the past, but today we can appreciate what they have left behind…Their greatest value will be in what they can contribute to our understanding of life in early medieval Scotland, and what they tell us about the interaction between the different peoples in these islands at the time.”

The unnamed man who discovered the trove will receive a reward based on its total value. The sum could be significant: the pot alone has been estimated at £200,000 ($320,000). He has agreed to share the money with the landowners, the Church of Scotland.