6. Four gold neck rings from Olst (Late Roman period, ca. 400 AD)

Here you can see four gold neck rings from the late Roman period, found in 1952 near Olst, in the IJssel River. They date from around 400 AD. It is remarkable that such valuable jewelry was found here, because Overijssel was outside the Roman Empire at that time. Nevertheless, there were contacts with the Roman world, through trade and through men who served in the Roman army.

The rings are made from melted-down Roman gold coins. They are heavy, shiny, and decorated with small dots and circles. Jewelry like this was a sign of wealth and power. It likely belonged to someone of high standing, perhaps a leader or an important figure.

We’re not sure why they ended up in the river. Perhaps they were valuable possessions that someone wanted to protect. Perhaps they were hidden during a time of uncertainty. Around 400 AD, Roman power in these regions declined and the situation became more turbulent. But it’s also possible that they were deliberately sacrificed in the river.

The next listening point is the Sword of Ommerschans.