Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Viking Hoard Reveals Surprising Trade Links Between England and the Islamic World

2025-08-18

A Viking-Age silver hoard unearthed in Bedale, North Yorkshire, is rewriting our understanding of Viking-era trade. Analysis reveals that a significant portion of the silver, dating back to the 9th-10th centuries AD, originated not from local plunder but from the Islamic world, specifically Iran and Iraq. This silver traveled along established trade routes, reaching Scandinavia and eventually England. The discovery challenges the simplistic 'Viking raider' stereotype, highlighting the sophisticated trade networks and economic integration of Viking-Age England within a broader Eurasian economic system. The hoard's contents, including ingots, necklaces, and a sword pommel, demonstrate the Vikings' ability to refine and recast silver, blending Eastern and Western materials, showcasing cultural fusion alongside economic exchange.

Roman Soldier's Wrist Purse Unearthed on Empire's Frontier

2025-07-02

Archaeologists in South Moravia, Czech Republic, discovered a fragment of a Roman soldier's wrist purse at a temporary camp site. The purse, dating back to the Marcomannic Wars (AD 172-180), belonged to a soldier of the 10th Legion and was found outside the traditional Roman Empire boundaries. While containing no coins itself, nearby discoveries suggest it could have held up to 50 silver denarii – nearly a year's salary for a legionary. This find provides valuable insight into the logistical complexities of Roman military campaigns and the daily lives of soldiers stationed on the empire's ever-shifting frontiers.

2,000-Year-Old Roman Basilica Unearthed in London

2025-02-16

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have discovered the remains of Londinium's first Roman basilica, dating back nearly 2,000 years. Built around AD 80, this significant structure, measuring 40 x 20 x 12 meters and constructed from Kentish limestone, served as a public building for legal and administrative purposes. Only in use for about 20 years, it was later replaced by a much larger complex. The discovery, located during the excavation of an office building, is considered a pivotal find in understanding the heart of Roman London.