Early medieval coins discovered near Elbląg

In the Młynary forest district, near Elbląg, archaeologists discovered six Arab dirhems and two fragments of these silver coins.

According to Dr. Jakub Jagodziński from the Archaeological and Historical Museum in Elbląg, the coins come from the first half of the 9th century.

It is possible that they remained in circulation even until the turn of the 10th/11th century, i.e. until the end of the existence of the settlement of Truso, with whose commercial activities this find should be associated - emphasized the expert.

Treasure of merchants or guards?

According to archaeologists, the coins could have belonged to merchants traveling on the trade routes leading to or from the settlement of Truso, but it cannot be ruled out that they were the property of Prussian guards collecting tolls on these routes.

The find will now be subjected to conservation and detailed examination by specialists in early medieval numismatics. Once the work is completed, the coins will go on exhibition at the Archaeological and Historical Museum in Elbląg.

Truso – a Viking port like Atlantis

Truso, the legendary Viking emporium, was discovered 45 years ago by Dr. Marek Jagodziński (father of Dr. Jakub Jagodziński).

The port, located on Lake Druzno, was one of the most important trade centers in the Baltic Sea basin.

His research shows that Truso was founded by the Danes on the border of Slavic and Baltic settlements at the end of the 7th century. The emporium itself operated until the beginning of the 11th century and was then an important place in the entire network of such emporiums that were established around the Baltic Sea - said Dr. Marek Jagodziński.

The inhabitants of Truso were craftsmen and merchants, and their activities focused on trade with distant regions of Europe and Asia. The discovered coins are further evidence of extensive trade contacts in this place.

The fall of Truso and the role of the Piast state

The development of the state of the first Piast dynasty contributed to the fall of Truso. In the 11th century, Gdańsk took over the role of the main trade center in the region.