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Gold ring found in Sweden about 500 years after “unlucky” person likely lost it
Swedish archaeologists said they recently uncovered a trove of ancient relics, including a gold ring that was likely lost centuries ago.
Two archaeological investigations have been ongoing in Kalmar, a coastal city in southwest Sweden, according to the Archaelogists, which is part of the government’s National Historical Museums agency. The investigation has looked at the medieval city built on the same grounds.
Researchers excavating the area have found around 50 medieval plots, about 10 streets and parts of an old city wall, the agency said. They’ve found major sites, including buildings and cellars, and smaller, everyday objects. The discoveries have been dated from 1250 to 1650, with the youngest items being about 400 years old. The results of the investigations are “beyond all expectations,” the agency said, especially the unusual discoveries of streets and walls.
The medieval city was razed by battle in the 1600s, the news release said, but despite the damage, large parts of it remained ripe for investigation.
The Archaeologists
“We have been able to lift the lid on the city’s Middle Ages and have had the opportunity to study how people lived, what they ate and drank and how this changed over time,” said Magnus Stibéus, a project manager at the Archaeologists. “Archeology becomes like a peephole into medieval history that allows us to learn more about how life was several hundred years ago.”
The gold ring was one of two smaller but “spectacular” finds, the agency said. The ring was in almost-new condition despite being dating back to the 15th century, and has a carved figure of Jesus Christ. The ring is small, and might have been worn by a woman. Similar jewelry has been found in other parts of Sweden, and in Finland. Stibéus speculated that someone was “unlucky and lost the ring” half a millennia ago.
Another impressive find was the discovery of an alsengem, or small glass stone believed to have been used as a pilgrim amulet. Such objects were first found in Denmark. The one found in the Swedish investigation is believed to date back to the 13th or 14th century, and features three carved figures. However, the item was broken and might have been thrown away by its owner, Stibéus said in the news release.
The Archaeologists
Other interesting discoveries included a preserved brick cat paw print, and a rune stone found amid what may have been a 12th-century burial mound.
Such discoveries have made it possible to learn more about “large parts of the medieval city” and understand a wide range of different groups, including “traders, craftsmen, civil servants, church people, poor and rich,” Stibéus said. Further excavations of the area are ongoing.
CBS News
Kamala Harris will speak with “60 Minutes” tomorrow. Here’s what to know for the interview.
Voters will get the chance to hear from Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday as she presents her case for why she should be president in a “60 Minutes” election special.
For decades, “60 Minutes” has featured both Republican and Democratic nominees for presidents, but this year, former President Donald Trump backed out after previously indicating he would be on the show. Correspondent Scott Pelley, who’d been set to interview Trump, will instead travel to Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to more than 60% of Arizona’s voters and a critical battleground in a key swing state.
One thing is certain about the election; with the U.S. deeply involved in both the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, whoever wins on Nov. 5 will become a wartime president.
What Harris will discuss
Israel’s war started one year ago after Hamas launched a surprise terror attack and correspondent Bill Whitaker will discuss the ongoing war with Harris.
Harris will also discuss the economy, immigration, her record as vice president and the differences between herself and Trump.
Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz will also appear.
Whitaker joined the Democratic ticket on the campaign trail this week to gain insight into their platform’s priorities and values, and what the candidates believe voters should know.
Why Trump pulled out of the “60 Minutes” interview
Leading up to the candidate hour, Trump, through campaign spokespeople, was the first candidate to accept the “60 Minutes” request to be interviewed for the special, according to CBS News. It had been agreed that both candidates would receive equal time during the broadcast.
Trump last sat down with 60 Minutes in 2020. He walked out during the interview with Lesley Stahl. Trump referenced the incident on Tuesday night at a Milwaukee press conference when asked about his decision not to participate in the Oct. 7 “60 Minutes” election special.
“Well, right now, I went to – they came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first I want to get an apology, because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer,” Trump said. “They said the ‘laptop from hell’ was from Russia, and I said it wasn’t from Russia. It was from Hunter, and I never got an apology, so I’m sort of waiting. I’d love to do ’60 Minutes.’ I do everything.”
The Republican nominee for president emphasized that he felt he was owed an apology from “60 Minutes.”
“Let’s see if they do it. I wouldn’t mind doing 60,” Trump continued. “I’ve done ’60 Minutes’ a lot.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s team had not agreed to an interview.
“Fake News,” Cheung said in a post on X. “60 Minutes begged for an interview, even after they were caught lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop back in 2020. There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in. They also insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented.”
Previous Trump, Harris appearances on 60 Minutes
Trump previously sat down with “60 Minutes'” Mike Wallace in 1985, Pelley in 2015 and Lesley Stahl twice in 2016, first in July of that year and then again in November of 2016. He also spoke with Stahl again in 2018 and 2020.
Harris previously sat down with Whitaker last year. She also was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell, “CBS Evening News” anchor and “60 Minutes” contributing correspondent, in 2020.
How to watch the “60 Minutes” election special
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