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Rare 10th-Century Cross Found in Brandenburg Matches 1983 Casting Mould

The pairing provides rare evidence of local production that illuminates early Christian presence between the Elbe and the Oder.

Overview

  • The Brandenburg heritage office BLDAM confirmed after restoration and measurement that the bronze wheel-cross fits a mould excavated in 1983 at the Slavic hillfort in Berlin-Spandau.
  • Volunteer monument conservator Juliane Rangnow uncovered the piece in western Havelland alongside coins, jewelry fragments, and weapons dated to the 10th–11th centuries.
  • Archaeologists say the find reflects wide cultural contacts in the region and the early spread of Christian symbols before the 983 Slavic uprising.
  • The cross and its mould will be on view at the Archaeological State Museum in Brandenburg an der Havel from January 24 to March 11, with a subsequent presentation in Berlin announced for late March.
  • Officials reminded the public that artifact searching in Brandenburg requires permits and training, noting more than 40,000 archaeological sites across the state.