A recent discovery in Germany has uncovered a Viking Age hoard containing around 200 artifacts, including a pendant that experts believe may be a cross or an unfinished Thor's hammer.

The hoard was unearthed by a metal detectorist in northern Germany near Haithabu, a significant maritime trading center during the Viking Age. The discovery includes Arabic coins, ingots, and the mysterious pendant that has sparked much interest.

If the pendant is indeed a cross, it could signify an early stage of Christianization in the region, according to Birte Anspach from the State Archaeological Office of Schleswig-Holstein. Christianity began to spread in Haithabu in the ninth century when St. Ansgar visited the area.

Despite the arrival of Christianity, the process of conversion was gradual and spanned several generations. While most people in the region remained pagan for a century, there have been findings of Christian symbols in burials from that period, making this pendant a rare discovery that may have belonged to an early convert.

The pendant, with an eyelet located on the longer part of the 'cross', could also be interpreted as an unfinished Thor's hammer, symbolizing allegiance to the old Norse gods. This is significant as Christianity was beginning to take root in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe during that time.

The hoard was discovered by Arjen Spießwinkel, a member of a volunteer detector group in Schleswig-Holstein. Along with the pendant, the hoard contained ingots, Arabic coins, hacksilver, a pottery shard, and a whetstone, hinting at the existence of a nearby unknown settlement.

These artifacts provide valuable insights into the history of the 10th century, characterized by trade, cultural exchange, and religious transformations. The discovery near the Schlei region raises questions about whether it was a hidden depot or if there was a settlement nearby.