Biblical Archaeology Review 43:5, September/October 2017

WorldWide

Guadamur, Spain

Encrusted with sapphires, pearls and beads, this golden crown was discovered in an orchard in Guadamur, near Toledo, Spain. Measuring nearly 32 inches tall with an 8-inch diameter, the crown was created in the royal workshop of the court of Toledo. Never meant to be worn, the crown was a votive offering that hung above a church altar.

Uncovered in the late 19th century, this votive crown is the prize find of the Treasure of Guarrazar—a collection of 26 votive crowns and golden crosses. Various Visigoth kings gifted these treasures to the Catholic Church as a confirmation of their faith and submission to ecclesiastical hierarchy. This crown was a gift from Recceswinth, King of Hispania, Septimania and Galicia (r. 649–672 C.E.).

Today this crown can be seen in the National Archaeology Museum in Madrid, Spain.

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