In Germany, a mysterious religious artifact a thousand years old was found

Sensational discovery: amateur archaeologists found the richest Viking-era treasure in northern Germany

As reported by TUT.AZ, the Live Science portal announces the amazing discovery.

The unique 10th century treasure was found near the legendary settlement of Haithabu on the shores of Schlei - an arm of the Baltic Sea that once served as a busy trade route between Europe, Scandinavia and the Arab world. Among the treasures are Arab coins, silver ingots, ceramic fragments, chopped silver and a whetstone.

Researchers were particularly drawn to a mysterious pendant with ambiguous religious symbolism. The medallion could represent either a Christian cross or the hammer of the Scandinavian god Thor. If the Christian nature of the artifact is confirmed, the find could become important evidence of the early Christianization of Scandinavia, which began with the arrival of missionary Saint Ansgar in the 9th century.

An intriguing detail: the loop for wearing is positioned so that the pendant hangs upside down, which may indicate its pagan origin - Thor's hammer traditionally symbolized loyalty to the Scandinavian gods.

Birte Anspach, a representative of the State Archaeological Department, emphasized that the Christianization of the region occurred gradually, and many generations continued to worship the ancient gods even after the appearance of the first Christian symbols.