Unique finds from Boeslunde
Experience the exhibition with the latest finds from Boeslunde – including a gold-decorated iron lance that was sacrificed in a spring 2.800 years ago.
In the area around Boeslunde, gold objects have been found for years. No one knew exactly why the gold was in that area, so our archaeologists set out to dig for clues that could explain it. And they succeeded – they found a previously unknown, ancient spring into which the gold had been placed as an offering.
In the spring they found three unique iron lances – two of them decorated with gold. One of them is now on display.
The finds can be dated to approximately 900–830 BC, making it Denmark's oldest iron.
The gold in the area has therefore been sacrificed at the spring – and tells us that the place was an important religious and economic hub during the period!
In the exhibition you can see the fascinating lance up close. You can also see some of the gold spirals found in the same area.
It can be found telling
Iron weapons with gold decoration from this period are extremely rare and without direct parallels. The finds from Boeslunde provide new knowledge about:
As archaeologist and museum curator Lone Claudi Hansen puts it: “Finding the source explained why all the gold was located here. But finding two unique gold-decorated iron lances on top of that was a surprise – objects we haven’t seen before.”
A look into the world of the Bronze Age
The finds from Boeslunde provide a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with a 2800-year-old cult practice. Through continued analysis and dating, researchers will be able to uncover even more about life in the Late Bronze Age.
Museum Vestsjælland would like to thank
Slagelse Municipality for subsidies for display cases
University of Copenhagen
Conservation Zealand
The National Museum
Landowner
Museum Vestsjælland is continuously providing news about the project, so keep an eye on our social media. The exhibition can be seen at Slagelse Museum in the museum's opening hours.
Note: Danish only