In The Spillings Hoard – Gotland´s Role in Viking Age World Trade, six authors expound on the largest Viking Age hoard in the world. The hoard was unearthed in 1999. Altogether it weighed 67 kilos and contained more than 14,000 silver coins, almost all of them of Islamic origin, some of them of sensational interest. Apart from the coins there were nearly 500 bangles and bracelets and lots of raw material and artefacts like spiral rings, silver bars and jewellery. A few meters from the silver, a deposit of bronzes of Baltic origin was uncovered.

Working within their particular scholarly discipline, each author accounts for the hoard, the findspot and contacts with the surrounding world, as well as for how the hoard has influenced people living in the neighbourhood. Although Gotlanders have always nursed a genuine interest in their history, they are not easily impressed!

For those interested in the Viking Age the book is a must. It is illustrated with maps and photos of exciting and beautiful objects.