Journey Back in Time: The Year 1000 Revealed in a Remarkable Dutch Museum Exhibition
Sword with inscription + VLFBERTH+ and crutch cross – Iron and brass, l. 99,5 cm, Meuse near Lith, 950-1000. Swords from around the year 1000 are spathas (double-edged swords), often with a name on the blade and a decorated hilt. The best-known weaponsmith of the 10th century is Ulfberht, whose name appears on several types of swords. Swords are elite weapons and are carried by about 1 in 10 able-bodied men in the middle of the Middle Ages.
In a fascinating voyage into the past, the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities, also known as the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, located in Leiden, is inviting visitors to step into the enchanting world of the year 1000. With over 400 captivating artifacts from both the Netherlands and distant lands, the museum's exhibition, aptly named 'The Year 1000', promises to transport you over a millennium into the past.
This ambitious exhibition allows visitors to explore the imperial residence in Nijmegen, the grand cathedral of Utrecht, the opulent treasuries of Maastricht, the ancient Rome of a thousand years ago, and the riches of Byzantium. At the heart of this historical journey are more than 400 archaeological finds, manuscripts, and artifacts that provide an immersive experience into the world of the early medieval Low Countries.
One of the most notable features of the exhibition is the spotlight on Empress Theophanu and her husband, Otto II. Their powerful presence in the exhibit serves as a testament to the remarkable history of the era.
The period between 900 and 1100 was a transformative time for the Netherlands, leaving a lasting impact that still shapes the region today. Dykes were constructed to protect reclaimed land, fortresses guarded river bends, and church towers adorned the horizon. 'The Year 1000' exhibition aims to bring the lives of the people of this era to life, offering insights into their daily routines, worldviews, and expectations as they approached the turn of the millennium.
Reliquary horn with fittings with animals and masks – Bovine horn and silver, l. 60,2 cm Scandinavia, 900-1000. This Viking drinking horn was fitted with silver fittings and later used as a holder for relics: the remains of saints. It contains three tiny fragments of bone from the apostles Andrew, Thomas and Judas Thaddeus. Those relics came from Rome. The silver strips with lions, masks and scrollwork give the impression that the horn was wrapped in precious textiles. This kind of pairing of lions is known from Asian textiles of this period, such as the famous “lion fabric” used to wrap relics of St Servatius.
Among the treasures on display is a Viking drinking horn from the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht, along with the renowned Egmond Gospels from the National Library of the Netherlands. The exhibit also features an impressive array of artifacts, such as swords, ship timbers, gold jewelry, including the recent discovery of the Hoogwoud hoard, coin collections, and books adorned with precious stones. Visitors can also marvel at the pectoral cross of Saint Servatius, the oldest chess pieces in the Netherlands, and even a wooden ladder from a well.
The collection on display in 'The Year 1000' is not limited to Leiden's own treasures. The exhibition boasts loans from renowned international institutions like the Castello Sforzesco in Milan, the National Museum of Finland in Helsinki, and the Landesmuseum Kassel. Additionally, more than forty Dutch museums, heritage organizations, and private collectors have lent their priceless artifacts to contribute to this exceptional historical exploration.
The Hoogwoud hoard – Four golden crescent-shaped earrings and two strips of gold leaf Hoogwoud, 1000-1050. Gold rings, pendants with precious stones, plaques with enamel… from the 10th and 11th centuries, a rich variety of gold jewellery and ornaments have been recovered, often with metal detectors. There is something beautiful in all regions, but the concentration in Frisia is striking. Added to this in 2021 was the find of the Hoogwoud hoard: four golden crescent-shaped earrings and two strips of gold leaf from the first half of the 11th century. The elite of the Netherlands clearly belonged to global networks with quite a lot of luxury to show off their status.
One of the standout exhibits is the Ansfridus codex, a manuscript crafted on parchment, silver, gold, and gemstones, originating from St. Gallen in the years 950-1000. Adorned with sparkling gems and brilliant gold, this precious codex is a testament to the artistic and spiritual achievements of the time.
Evangeliary, Ansfridus codex Manuscript on parchment, silver, gold and gemstones, 34 cm x 25,5 cm x 10 cm, St Gallen, 950-1000. “Adorned with sparkling gems and brilliant gold, I am a gift from Bishop Ansfried to St Martin.” This is what the 10th-century Ansfridus codex ‘says’. On the back, this text in Latin surrounds an image of Ansfried, bishop of Utrecht in the year 1000. The codex was donated by him to Utrecht’s St Martin’s Church (the Dom). The front of the binding dates from the 11th-13th centuries and bears a gold cross with filigree wire. Around it are 32 carefully chosen (ancient) precious gemstones and blue plates with the four evangelist symbols plus a queen and king, two angels with incense vessels and a deer
'The Year 1000' exhibition is set to open its doors on October 13, 2023, and will run until March 17, 2024. This immersive journey into the past promises to be a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts, students, and curious minds to connect with a pivotal era in Dutch history.
To plan your visit and learn more about this extraordinary exhibition, please visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden website. Don't miss this chance to step back in time and witness the wonders of the year 1000 brought to life through the artifacts and history of the Netherlands and beyond.