A Viking-Era Vessel Found in Scotland a Decade Ago Turns Out to Be from Asia

In an astonishing twist, a silver lidded vessel, discovered in Scotland as part of the Galloway Hoard a decade ago, has been revealed to have origins in Asia. This remarkable artifact, dating back over 1,100 years, is part of the most valuable collection of Viking-era treasures ever uncovered in Britain or Ireland.

The Galloway Hoard was unearthed by a metal detectorist near Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, close to the Church of Scotland.

The collection, consisting of more than 11 pounds of silver.

Gold, and other priceless materials.

Intricately designed brooches.

Includes a stunning array of artifacts such as crystal jars.

Wrapped in ancient textiles, which miraculously survived over a millennium, this silver vessel has intrigued researchers since its discovery. The textiles were largely left untouched to preserve their delicate state, but X-ray scans revealed details of the vessel beneath, showing that it was unlike anything else in the hoard.

As researchers at National Museums Scotland delved deeper, they found that the vessel’s origins lie in the Sasanian Empire , a civilization based in what is now Iran. According to Jane Kershaw, an expert on Viking-age silver from the University of Oxford, “The vessel’s origins are extraordinary, pointing to a trade route stretching thousands of miles.” The piece is believed to have been mined from the Nakhlak region in central Iran, a famous source of silver during the height of the Sasanian Empire.

Adding to the vessel’s significance are its intricate designs, featuring crowns, fire altars, leopards, and tigers, all symbols tied to Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of the Sasanian Empire. Such details deepen the mystery and historical relevance of the vessel, highlighting a connection between the Viking world and distant Eastern cultures. Conservators used cutting-edge laser technology to remove corrosion and fully reveal these details, bringing this ancient artifact back to life.

Martin Goldberg, curator of early medieval and Viking collections at National Museums Scotland, was equally astounded by the find, noting that the vessel likely traveled thousands of miles to reach Scotland. He speculates that it might have arrived as a result of long pilgrimages or trade routes that stretched across Europe and into the East.

However, one item has stood out from the rest: a silver lidded vessel with an extraordinary tale.

The discovery of this vessel not only provides insight into the advanced networks of exchange that existed over 1,000 years ago but also challenges our understanding of the Viking era, showing that these seafaring warriors had contact with, and possibly access to, distant civilizations far beyond their traditional realms.

This unique artifact will make its debut on September 26 at the British Museum as part of the “Silk Roads” exhibition. It will be displayed alongside a similar Viking-age treasure container found in Northern Britain, although the Galloway vessel is the only one confirmed to have originated from outside Europe, highlighting its rare and exceptional journey from the Sasanian Empire to the Viking lands of Scotland.

As Sue Brunning, curator of European early medieval collections at the British Museum, stated: “This is a once-in a lifetime opportunity for visitors to witness a treasure that not only connects East and West but rewrites the narrative of Viking-era trade and contact with the wider world.”

Following its appearance at the British Museum, the Galloway Hoard will go on long-term display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, with select pieces also showcased at the Kirkcudbright Galleries. This remarkable discovery continues to captivate both historians and the public, offering new glimpses into a past where distant cultures converged in unexpected ways.