At the bottom of Lake Mjøsa , Norway’s largest lake, two treasure hunters, Miro Baricicic and Knut-Eric Gylder, found a huge two-handed sword dating back to the 16th century. The history of this artifact is not yet known, but one of the most trusted theories is that it may have belonged to a very influential person who lived over 500 years ago. The precious object is now kept in a museum, where it is studied and preserved.
NB. The image of the sword on the cover is purely representative.
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image credit: Miguel Angel Barroso Lorenzo/Wikimedia
Most of the time, treasure hunters used to only pick up trash, but this time they found treasure in their hands. Lake Mjøsa is famous for being the largest in Norway, being 62 miles long (around 100 km), and its maximum depth of 1470 feet (500 meters).
Despite its discovery underwater by the two men, the object would still be in good condition, given the dating that dates back to the 16th century. The reason is the fresh water in the lake which, unlike saltwater and air, caused less deterioration.
The discovery caused a sensation in the Norwegian community and in the media, the first to report was the local newspaper Oppland Arbeiderblad. Immediately after the discovery, the sword was brought to the Mjøs Museum, where director Arne Julsrud Berg speculated on its origin.
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– Jeg har aldri hørt om et liknende funn. Dette er et helt unikt funn, sier Arne Julsrud Berg. https://t.co/ifyoJBRJWL
— Oppland Arbeiderblad (@oppland) July 1, 2018
Several theories come into play here. The first and most credited is that it may have been a two-handed combat sword, very popular in the 16th century. Another hypothesis considers that it is a sword used during ceremonies or to demonstrate its own social status.
The sword is now inside the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo for the first phase of study and conservation. It will then be taken to the Norwegian Maritime Museum, where its origins will be studied in depth.
Certainly, a fascinating story lies behind this artifact, dating from a time (like that of the 16th century) when Europe, and especially the Scandinavian regions, lived a tumultuous and full of battles period.
All we can do, therefore, is wait and hope that the researchers are able to bring out something important …