A ring has been discovered in Southwest Jutland, Denmark. The ring shows a previously unknown princely family with strong ties to the rulers of France.
The discovery was announced by the National Museum of Denmark.
Made of 22 carat gold, the ring is set with a semi-precious cabochon almandine garnet stone in the center. On the underside are two spirals and a trefoil knob, all features of the elegant forms found in Frankish craftsmanship from the 5th to the 6th century AD.
“The ring probably reveals the presence of a previously unknown princely family in the region with close links to the Merovingians, a royal family that ruled the Kingdom of France,” the press release said.
Kirstine Pommergaard, a museum inspector at the National Museum, explained that the ring’s form and artistic style corresponds with examples worn by the Merovingian elite, and was probably a diplomatic gift or from a marriage alliance.
The garnet gemstone set in the ring is a well-known symbol of power in the Nordics, while Merovingian rings are typically set with a coin or a plaque, similar to a signet ring. This shows that the ring was intended to serve as a symbol of power in the Nordics.
Anders Hartvig, museum inspector at Museum Sønderjylland, said: “The Merovingians were interested in entering into a network with families and individuals who could control trade and resources in an area. Perhaps the princely family in Emmerlev had control over an area between Ribe and Hedeby and thus secured trade in the area.”
Cover Photo : National Museum