Gold spirals, Scandinavia, around 400–550

During the Migration Period, gold was used as a means of payment in various parts of Scandinavia, often in the form of gold spirals. The gold spirals in the display case were found in 1930 by a farmer who was harrowing a field at Gute gård on the island of Gotland. They weigh 130 grams in total. That is about five times as much as the Roman uncia unit of weight.

The fact that the weight of the gold spirals relates to a Roman unit of weight suggests close links between Scandinavia and the Roman Empire. Roman gold came to Scandinavia through trade, but also as pay for the mercenaries who served the Romans.

Image rights: Helena Bonnevier, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0)

Object number: 110207_HST

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