Staffordshire Hoard

The Staffordshire Hoard is a remarkable archaeological discovery, comprising over 3,500 artifacts of Anglo-Saxon gold, silver, and garnet cloisonné jewelry. The hoard, which includes 5.1 kg of gold and 1.4 kg of silver, dates back to the 7th century and was unearthed in 2009 near Lichfield, England. This trove is profoundly significant for understanding Anglo-Saxon history, particularly due to its martial nature and exceptional craftsmanship.

The majority of the items in the hoard are military-related, with no domestic or feminine objects present. The collection includes numerous swords, hilt collars, and pommels, as well as crosses and unique items such as a gold strip inscribed with a biblical quotation. The find also underscores the impressive skills of Saxon goldsmiths, especially in their ability to craft intricate gold surfaces.

The location where the hoard was buried and the types of artifacts found suggest a connection to Mercian customs and possibly events such as Viking attacks. The discovery process involved recovering many items, and subsequent excavations unveiled additional pieces related to the original hoard.

Following its valuation, the hoard was jointly acquired by the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. It has since been exhibited in various museums and featured in documentaries. Ongoing research and conservation efforts continue to shed new light on the hoard's origins and the techniques used in its creation.