Of the more than 1500 gold and silver items found in the Staffordshire hoard, none have elicited more interest, excitement and speculation that this one.
It’s a thin band of gold inscribed in misspelled Latin, with a scripture from Num. 10:35
Surge domine et dispentur intimici et fugent qui oderant te facie tua…
“…Rise up, O Lord, and let thy enemies be scattered and those who hate Thee be driven from thy face…”
Michelle Brown, Professor of Medieval Manuscript Studies in London, believes the style of lettering implies a 7th or early 8th century date based on the use of uncial letter forms.Professor Okasha of Cork has identified traits that suggest 8th or early 9th century.
There are multiple websites already dedicated to this hoard and many discussions going on all over the world with experts from various backgrounds weighing in.
One discussion centers around which type of hoard this is because of the nature of the items: all the items are militaristic with the exception of the 3 crosses. There are no feminine items. And the hilts and pommels have all been stripped off the swords and knives they once decorated.
If you’d like to see some great photos, you can go to:
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