Seventh century bowl found near Leiden

During excavations in Oegstgeest last year archaeologists from the University of Leiden have found a remarkable bowl from the seventh century.

The find proves that there lived an elite in the area around that time. The 11-cm high bowl that has a 21-cm diameter is inlaid with gemstones and figures of animals and plants in gold, which the university says makes it an important find because most comparable bowls are made from bronze. The university says it probably functioned as a drinking or washing bowl and likely dates from the late Roman times. Its images suggest that it comes from the eastern Mediterranean Sea area and the other decorations suggest Germanic cultural influences. Its hinging hints at England and Scandinavia. The university kept the find a secret because it did not want disturbances at the excavations at the Bio Science Park in Leiden.

found remains of a large village from the seventh and sixth century at this location. They speculate that the bowl was found in the ground because it had been buried as part of an offering. The unique find has meanwhile been restored and is on display at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.