Gold bracteate, type C, circa 400–550
The expansion of the Romans northwards from Italy led to contact with the Germanic peoples of northern Europe, and Roman coins began to spread in these areas. The coins' designs inspired the Germanic peoples, as can be seen on this gold bracteate (a piece of jewellery with a design on one side only) from the period 400-550 AD. The emperor's portrait has been transformed into a horseman, with a bird to the left of his face. Perhaps it is the supreme god Odin who is depicted.
Through the loop at the top, the object could be hung on a string or chain and used as a pendant.
This particular piece was found in 1860 during ploughing in Järnskogsboda, Värmland. Later, an identical piece was found in the same place.
)Image rights 2: Cecilia Bonnevier, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0
)Object number: 110814_HST
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