The Cuerdale Hoard is one of the most amazing discoveries of the Viking Age and was found in 1840 during the repair of a quay near Cuerdale in Lancashire, England. This event not only offered a glimpse into the Viking Age, but also provided a wealth of historical and archaeological information.
The Cuerdale Treasure is a collection of more than 8,600 items, including silver coins, jewelry, and bullion. All of this is believed to have been hidden between 903 and 910, after the Vikings were driven out of Dublin in 902.
Objects from this period are generally believed to be buried in a moment of danger and not dug up by their owners because they were either killed, captured, or forced to flee. Viking raids forced many people to hide their savings. However, there are other opinions as to why this happened.
First, treasures could be buried for religious reasons. Pagans believed that after death a person needs the same objects that he used during life. However, this belief became known many years after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and it is not known how true this information is.
Another possible explanation is related to the desire to demonstrate one's wealth and power. If a person wanted to show generosity, he had to give gifts to his loved ones. The storage of silver in the ground could take place without the threat of parting with it simply in order to preserve the wealth and dig it up when needed.
After all, it is possible that people parted with treasures without even intending to dig them up in order to demonstrate exceptional prosperity.
Perhaps one of these explanations is suitable for the Kuerdel treasure.
The exceptional state of preservation of the Cuerdale hoard has allowed researchers to gain invaluable insight into Viking art, culture and economic activity during this period. It is considered one of the most remarkable Viking treasures ever found in the British Isles and is now housed in the British Museum in London, where it continues to fascinate visitors with its history.
Source: englishmonarchs.co.uk
