27 August 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Hornelund Brooches: Exquisite Viking Gold Ornaments with Norse and Christian Symbolism Unearthed in Denmark

The Hornelund Brooches are rare and captivating examples of Viking Age goldsmithing, discovered in southwestern Jutland, Denmark. These two intricately crafted gold brooches, dating back to the early 11th century, were found alongside a gold arm ring, forming a mysterious hoard that continues to intrigue historians and archaeologists today.

A Unique Blend of Viking and Christian Art

Each brooch measures approximately 3.3 inches (8.5 cm) in diameter and weighs between 2.1 to 2.6 ounces (60 to 75 grams). Their designs showcase a fusion of Norse mythology and early Christian symbolism—a rare artistic combination during the Viking Age (A.D. 793–1066).

One brooch features four forward-facing animal heads, crafted in a distinctly Norse style, likely the work of a local Viking goldsmith.

The second brooch displays elegant leaves and vine motifs, echoing early Christian themes. In Christian iconography, grapevines symbolize Jesus as the “true vine”, representing life and resurrection.

Masterpieces from a Golden Age

During the Viking era, Jutland was a renowned hub for goldsmithing, producing high-quality jewelry for local elites and possibly for export. Similar brooches have been discovered in Sweden and the Slavic regions, suggesting cultural exchange or stylistic influence from countries like Estonia, where swirling decorative patterns were common in the late 10th century.

These two intricately crafted gold brooches, dating back to the early 11th century, were found alongside a gold arm ring. Credit: National Museum of Denmark

Despite this, the Hornelund brooches remain unique in Denmark’s archaeological record. As archaeologist Władyslaw Duczko wrote in 1987, these pieces stand out in the Danish jewelry collection for their craftsmanship and hybrid artistic style.

A Mysterious Discovery

The hoard was accidentally unearthed in 1892 by a farm servant tilling fields near Varde, Denmark. Although the landowner turned the treasure over to the National Museum of Denmark (and received 295 Danish krone, equivalent to around $4,000 USD today), the site was never properly excavated.

To this day, no one knows whether the brooches were part of a Viking burial, homestead, or a hidden cache of wealth—possibly buried in haste during times of conflict or transition.

Preserved at the National Museum of Denmark

Today, the Hornelund Brooches are on display at the National Museum of Denmark, where they offer a rare glimpse into the artistic sophistication and cultural complexity of Viking society.

National Museum of Denmark

Cover Image Credit: National Museum of Denmark

Related Articles

World’s Largest Geoglyphs Found in the Thar Desert

29 May 2021

29 May 2021

A massive spiral encompassing 100,000 square meters unearthed in the Indian desert may be the greatest drawing ever drawn. The...

3,500-Year-Old Opal Workshop and Rare Lithophones Unearthed in Vietnam

17 August 2025

17 August 2025

Archaeologists in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province have uncovered a remarkable prehistoric site dating back more than 3,500 years. Excavations at...

2,000-year-old unique luxury Roman villa with “underfloor heating” found in Germany

3 November 2022

3 November 2022

A luxury Roman villa with a thermal bath and underfloor heating has been unearthed in Kempten, Bavaria, one of the...

Restored walls collapse in 1500-year-old Shahr-e Belqeys, concerns mount over further damage

12 May 2024

12 May 2024

Recently, a portion of the restored walls of 1500-year-old Shahr-e Belqeys (“City of Belqeys”), a historical city made of mudbricks...

Prehistoric Cave Art Handprints With Missing Fingertips Point to Ritual Amputation

3 January 2024

3 January 2024

Researchers who examined prehistoric cave art in France and Spain, a new interpretation of Paleolithic cave art proposes that prehistoric...

Young Maya Maize God’s Severed Head found in Palenque

4 June 2022

4 June 2022

Archaeologists from the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), an approximately 1,300-year-old sculpture of the head of the Young...

The colored skeletons of Çatalhöyük provide insight into the burial rituals of a fascinating society that lived 9000 years ago

18 March 2022

18 March 2022

New research provides new insights into how the inhabitants of the “oldest city in the world” in Çatalhöyük (Turkey) buried...

An important Gallo-Roman worship complex was discovered near Rennes, France

13 June 2022

13 June 2022

An essential Gallo-Roman worship complex was unearthed by Inrap  (National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research) archaeologists at Chapelle-des-Fougeretz (Ille-et-Vilaine), near...

An amateur archeologist has discovered a Roman war site

1 November 2021

1 November 2021

Thanks to the insistence of an amateur archaeologist, a Roman battlefield in Switzerland has been identified. Shortly before the birth...

2,500-Year-Old Burial Site in Negev Highlands Reveals Ancient Trade Routes and Evidence of Human Trafficking

5 February 2025

5 February 2025

The Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday the discovery of a 2,500-year-old burial site in the Negev Highlands. This significant...

1,600-year-old steelyard weight found in Turkey’s ancient city of Hadrianopolis

1 December 2021

1 December 2021

Archeologists have discovered a 1,600-year-old steelyard weight during excavations in the ancient city of Hadrianopolis, located in the Eskipazar district...

Coins from the World’s Richest Shipwreck Could Confirm the San José Galleon

16 June 2025

16 June 2025

A recent underwater exploration off the coast of Colombia has uncovered compelling new evidence that may confirm the identity of...

From Prehistoric Georgia ‘World’s oldest wine”

12 July 2022

12 July 2022

For many years in a row, wine has been a popular alcoholic beverage consumed worldwide. While we associate many things...

Gold from the ancient cities of Troy, Poliochni, and Ur had the same Origin

3 December 2022

3 December 2022

Using an innovative mobile laser method, scientists determined that gold found in ancient Troy, Poliochini, and Ur had the same...

Well-preserved 2,000-year-old Chime Bells (Bianzhong) discovered in China

3 September 2023

3 September 2023

A total of 24 well-preserved Chinese bianzhong (chime bells) in two sets from the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC)...