A world of amazing ancient history is under us every day; just ask one of the numerous people who have discovered an ancient tool, structure, or piece of artwork in their very own backyard!
In August, a German man discovered what seems to be an ancient Christian artifact while working on a home construction project. This discovery sparked an intriguing investigation and gives us a peek into the world of long-ago.
Discovering the Stone
In August, this amazing stone was uncovered by a man in the Pomerania region of Germany. While doing some home renovations, Peter Wittenberg—a homeowner in the village of Klotzow—began moving soil by his house so he could reach its foundation.
He discovered this mysterious and fascinating 3-foot-long (1 meter) boulder just below the ground’s surface. Soon, with some help from experts, Wittenberg solidified that what he had found was a piece of ancient art known as a “picture stone.”
An Expert Joins the Team
Detlef Jantzen is the chief archaeologist of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state where the stone was found; he also works with the State Office for Culture and Monument Preservation. Wittenberg got in contact with proper authorities, but Jantzen recalled that Wittenburg only realized it was “something special” when he saw that it had a “very old fashioned carving.”
When Jantzen got a closer look, he called the find a “sensation” and “absolutely outstanding.” It turns out that only about 20 other picture stones are known to exist, so this find is very unique.
A Baffling Bildstein
A “picture stone” is known in German as a “bildstein.” These stones have been discovered along the Baltic coastline, particularly in regions now part of Germany and Poland. Although their styles and shapes differ, they commonly depict individuals with distinctive features, including details of their attire.
A team soon formed to look further into the details of this intriguing stone. The team dated the granite carving to the 12th century by analyzing its decorative elements and symbols.
The Picture on the Stone
The carving on the bildstein portrays an “upright standing person, clad with a kind of cap, a shawl, a short robe and maybe shoes,” Jantzen explained. “In its right hand the person is bearing something that looks like a banner. The face is not depicted in detail, but the eyes are clearly visible and maybe the hair is protruding from under the cap.”
Based on the carving in the stone, and paying particular attention to these interesting clothes, it is believed to depict a Christian bishop who visited the region about 800 years ago.
Otto of Bamberg
Specifically, it is believed that this newfound stone carving depicts Otto of Bamberg. He lived between 1060 and 1139. He served as a bishop to royalty and was a missionary.
He sought to convert people to Christianity in Pomerania, which is now part of Germany and Poland. He is credited to have brought Christianity to the region.
Details Pointing to Otto
On the carving, there is one particular detail that points to the art depicting Otto. There is a carved cross at the “loose hanging end of the shawl;” Jantzen explained that this stands out because it is the only known picture stone with a cross on it.
Several elements of the carved artwork, such as the cross, indicate that the figure depicted is probably Otto. Jantzen mentioned that the shawl and cross could be a pallium, a sacred garment traditionally worn by popes, archbishops, and esteemed bishops.
The Important Pallium
According to historical records, “Otto received the pallium from Pope Paschalis II” in 1111, Jantzen explained. Additionally, Jantzen pointed out that “when Otto was traveling in Pomerania in 1124 and 1128, he was the first and only possible bearer of a pallium at that time in that area.”
Jantzen also suggested that Otto likely passed through Klotzow during his travels in the region. This detail further supports the idea that Otto is the figure depicted on the picture stone, given the significance of the pallium in his context.
A Look Into the Past
All and all, “Whether the bildstein is showing Otto or not: This is an absolutely outstanding find,” Jantzen said. Although many details point to the stone depicted Otto, it could be another man from the same ancient time period.
According to Jantzen, the picture stone absolutely “leads us back to the time when Christian religion first came to Pomerania, brought by Otto, who is at the same time famous for his success to negotiate peace between the Polish duke and the Pomeranian nobility.” This time in history is very interesting, and this newly discovered picture stone could help uncover more details about the time period.
The Purpose of a Picture Stone
The exact function of picture stones remains uncertain, but various theories have been proposed. Some believe they may have been erected as memorials to commemorate individuals.
Additionally, some scholars believe that these stones could have served as grave markers or tombstones. Whether a piece of carving to praise an amazing individual, some kind of tombstone, or a strange item with some other purpose, one thing is for certain: the newly-found bildstein is an ancient work of art.
The Future of the Stone
Jantzen noted that after the team finishes analyzing the picture stone, they plan to permanently exhibit it in the village where it was found.
As the team continues to research the origins and significance of the picture stone, the excitement surrounding this discovery only grows. The potential connection to Otto of Bamberg and the unique features of the stone promise to shed new light on the early Christian history of Pomerania. The story of this ancient artifact is far from over, and its journey from the ground to the gallery highlights the enduring allure of historical mysteries.
