October 30, 2006

Gotland, Sweden

More than a thousand silver coins—a handful of which are seen above—were found in a Viking-era treasure trove on the Swedish island of Gotland.

The Arabic coins were dug up accidentally by brothers Edvin and Arvid Sandborg, who were helping a neighbor with yard work. Archaeologists brought in to excavate also found several silver bracelets believed to date to the 10th century A.D.

Gotland is not new to such discoveries. Other finds indicate that the island was a major trade center for Vikings.

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