The Gessel hoard

In April 2011, work on a natural gas pipeline in northern Germany unearthed one of the largest gold hoards from prehistoric Europe known. Dated to about 1300 B.C., the Gessel gold hoard consists of 117 artifacts that weigh over 3.7 pounds (1.7 kg).

The Gessel hoard is comprised of 82 spiral rings linked into eight chains of 10 rings and one chain of two rings. An additional 32 spirals of various sizes were also in the hoard. Not jewelry, the spirals were likely a form of currency in the Middle Bronze Age and were crafted from recycled gold. The Gessel hoard's burial is a mystery. Around 3,300 years ago, someone placed the immensely valuable gold in a linen bag, secured the bag with six bronze pins, and buried it, never to return.