Ancient sword found in Poland during dredging work

Dredging

A medieval sword was found earlier this month at the bottom of Poland’s Vistula River during the dredging operations at Włocławek.

photo by Wojewódzki Urząd Ochrony Zabytków w Toruniu

According to the Provincial Office for the Protection of Monuments in Toruń (Wojewódzki Urząd Ochrony Zabytków w Toruniu), preliminary analyses of the weapon traced it back more than 1,000 years to the 10th century A.D.

The sword uncovered in Włocławek was examined more closely under an X-ray scanner, which revealed an inscription hidden beneath layers of corrosion.

The inscription reads “U[V]LFBERTH,” which could be read as “Ulfberht,” a marking found on a group of about 170 medieval swords found mainly in northern Europe.

Each dates back to the 9th, 10th or 11th centuries.

photo by Wojewódzki Urząd Ochrony Zabytków w Toruniu

Researchers plan to continue studying the ancient sword at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. It will ultimately be preserved and put on display at a history museum in Włocławek.