Possible Viking origins have been speculated for an ancient sword that was discovered in a river in Poland, due to its mysterious inscription.
Studies are currently being conducted to gain a better understanding of the source of a medieval sword that was discovered in a Polish river earlier this month. According to certain specialists, the sword could possibly have been owned by the Vikings.
According to a translated announcement on Facebook by the Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments in Toruń, a sword with a “mysterious inscription” has been discovered in Poland. This sword is one of eight of its kind found in the country so far. The sword was uncovered from the Vistula River during dredging activities at the port of Włocławek, located about 30 miles away from Toruń. Toruń itself is a protected world heritage site.
According to the culture office, initial investigations of the weapon, which has endured centuries of corrosion, revealed that it dates back over 1,000 years to the 10th century A.D. This time period holds significance for Poland, as it marks the establishment of the House of Piast, the first documented ruling dynasty in the region and the foundation of modern-day Polish territory. The officials pondered if the sword may have been present during the formation of the Polish nation.
These types of weapons, which have a basic blade extending equally from the bottom, are commonly believed by historians to have originated in northwestern Europe. Their connection to the Scandinavian and Franconian cultures, which emerged during the Middle Ages in what is now Germany, provides valuable insight into the formation of Poland as an independent nation. According to officials, it is believed that Scandinavian influences played a role in shaping Poland during the medieval period, although the exact nature of the relationship between the Scandinavian Vikings and modern-day Poland remains unclear and remains a topic of interest for historians around the world.
Emily Mae Czachor
Source: cbsnews.com