In an intriguing archaeological discovery, metal detectorists unearthed a treasure trove of gold and silver coins near the Dutch village of Hezingen, approximately 80 miles east of Amsterdam. These finds, believed to be 1,300 years old, shed light on a pagan worship site used by Germanic tribes during the sixth and seventh centuries. Among the treasures found were more than 100 coins and various pieces of gold jewelry, suggesting that the site may have been a center for offerings to pagan gods.
The initial discovery occurred in 2020 and 2021 when metal detectorists stumbled upon gold and silver coins at the site. These coins, along with other valuables, are thought to be "devil's money," a term derived from a ninth-century copy of a "baptismal promise" for Saxons converting to Christianity. The term reflects the early Christian missionaries' perspective on such offerings, which they opposed as remnants of pagan practices.
The site near Hezingen is a rich repository of artifacts, including gold jewelry such as pendants and earrings. The findings also feature large pieces of gold and silver, some potentially classified as hacksilver—cut or hacked pieces of silver used as currency or offerings. Notably, one piece of jewelry is adorned in the distinctive Germanic animal style, while another showcases a portrait reminiscent of Roman jewelry, indicating cultural influences and exchanges during that era.
Archaeological excavations at the site revealed a line of 14 postholes aligned east to west. These postholes are significant as they may have supported a "holy pillar," or "stapol" in the early Germanic language, symbolizing deities in pagan worship. Although no posts remain today, some metal offerings were discovered within these postholes, hinting at their ceremonial significance.
The emergence of these treasures coincided with a pivotal period in history—the northward and eastward spread of Christianity from Frankish territories. This religious expansion may have prompted a more pronounced emphasis on traditional pagan practices among the Germanic people who frequented the site. The tension between old traditions and new religious ideologies is encapsulated in the term "devil's money," a testament to the cultural clash occurring at that time.
The site's historical significance lies not only in its treasures but also in its role as a focal point for understanding regional religious practices. The Germanic tribes who used this site left behind artifacts that provide insight into their beliefs, artistic expressions, and interactions with neighboring cultures.
