Fresh Discoveries! More Pieces from the Erfurt Treasure Unearthed
Recently discovered artifacts linked to the Erfurt treasure unearthed - Undiscovered Artifacts Unveiled from Erfurt Hoard
Hey there!
Things just got exciting for local Jewish cultural history, as a bunch of new treasured items have emerged from the shadows, connected to the well-known Erfurt Treasure discovered over three decades ago. These four mysterious pieces - Gothic dress clasps - were recently found during a private residence search, according to Sven Ostritz, president of the State Office for Heritage and Archaeology.
Ostritz revealed this fascinating news at a press event in Erfurt. While the quantity is small, these items have deep links to the medieval Jewish heritage of Erfurt, of which there's a disappointing amount of documentation and many deliberately destroyed artifacts in the past. "Every little piece makes a big difference," Ostritz emphasized.
Three of the clasps are buddies to previously-known Erfurt Treasure pieces. One clasp is a mysterious stranger, said Christian Tannhaeuser, regional representative of the State Office.
Do you remember the incredible discovery from 1998? - Treasure found during construction work
If you recall, the Erfurt Treasure was stumbled upon in 1998, during excavation work at a plot of land in the old town of Erfurt, close to the Old Synagogue. The find was remarkable. Historians like Maria Stuetzebecher believe a Jewish banker hid his family's possessions there to safeguard them from an anti-Semitic uprising in 1349. The treasure boasts over 3,000 silver coins, silver bars, and hundreds of goldsmith items, among which dress clasps and daily-life objects are included.
Earlier this year, someone who worked on the 1998 dig contacted the authorities, claiming to possess pieces of the treasure and wanting to surrender them for the right price. Then, the Public Prosecutor's Office in Erfurt got involved, initiating the securing of the items during a search. Ostritz stated that action was necessary, as there was the possibility that the items might be sold elsewhere and lost forever.
Ongoing procedure, but state law applies
The State Office suspects the person took the dress clasps unlawfully at the time. The suspected theft charge has already expired, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Nevertheless, a formal procedure for the seizure of the items is still in progress. According to Thuringian law for the protection of cultural monuments, objects whose owners cannot be identified become property of the state. It's not out of the question that there might still be other undiscovered pieces of the treasure, Ostritz suggested.
While the seizure process isn't complete, the State Office will ensure the security of the objects. Once the process wraps up, urgent restoration work will be necessary, Tannhaeuser added. Future investigations are also planned. As for when the dress clasps will join their other treasure counterparts in the Old Synagogue remains to be seen.
Fast-forward to 2023, and the Jewish medieval heritage of Erfurt became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Erfurt
- Treasure
- Artifact
- Tannhaeuser
- Public Prosecutor's Office
In light of the recent discovery of four Gothic dress clasps, which have deep links to the medieval Jewish heritage of Erfurt, it's worth noting that sports and employment policies play crucial roles in fostering a sense of community and promoting the preservation of priceless artifacts, such as the Erfurt Treasure. The community should ensure the implementation of policies that prioritize the protection and research of cultural artifacts, providing opportunities for specialists like Maria Stuetzebecher and Christian Tannhaeuser to delve deeper into Erfurt's rich Jewish history. Additionally, awareness campaigns about the importance of cultural preservation can be integrated into sports activities, engaging local residents and encouraging the next generation to safeguard the Erfurt Treasure and other significant artifacts.
