Erfurt exposes hidden treasure: Jewish cultural assets have been missing for 30 years!
Erfurt exposes hidden treasure: Jewish cultural assets have been missing for 30 years!
Erfurt, Deutschland - In Erfurt there are great news that not only puts the city, but also the whole world of Jewish cultural heritage. Archaeologists have rediscovered a long missing part of the famous Jewish treasure, which has been known since 1998. The fact that these masterpieces were lost over 30 years makes the return all the more spectacular. As thuringia, it is artistically worked closure pairs made of gold-plated silver, which were once part of medieval robes.
The treasure that was hidden in 1349 during a plague epidemic is unique in its scope and state of preservation worldwide. He was discovered randomly during construction work in Michaelisstrasse when construction worker found a silver bowl under a masonry. This bowl, initially thought to be tin, was the key to an archaeological find that continues to cause a sensation. Over the years and despite their importance, several parts of the treasure that were handed over to a former construction company employee disappeared. He offered these pieces for sale at the beginning of this year, which prompted the Erfurt public prosecutor to initiate a search, although the alleged embezzlement is now time -barred. Legal steps are currently underway to collect the objects.
an extraordinary inheritance
The Jewish treasure of Erfurt not only has historical dimensions, but is also a direct reference to the events of 1349, where the Jewish bank clerk Kalman von Wiehe hid his valuables. What finally cost him life are the over 28 kilograms of the treasure, the 3141 silver coins, 14 silver bars and a unique silver bullet ensemble. The artistically hidden eight brooches and a wedding ring with the inscription "Masel Tov" are particularly spectacular, which, as also on wikipedia
The recent return of the long -missing parts was described by the President of the State Office for Monument Conservation and Archeology as a "enormous gain" for the Jewish heritage in Erfurt. After the restoration, the pieces found in the old synagogue are to be exhibited, a landmark of the Jewish Middle Ages, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only came to this honor in September 2023.
UNESCO status and cultural importance
The old synagogue is one of the oldest preserved synagogues in Europe and has an eventful story that goes back to the late 11th century. After a pogrom in 1349, the synagogue served as a warehouse for many years and later as a restaurant before it was rediscovered in 1988. The associated mikwe, which only came to light in 2007, occupies the long and eventful life of the Jewish community in Erfurt. All of this fits wonderfully into the narrative about the Jewish treasure and its return. Also makes it clear that the Jewish-medieval heir in Erfurt is an important part of the World Heritage Erbes.
The stories behind these historical finds remind us not only of the challenges of the past, but also the need to preserve cultural heritage. In a world that is often shaped by split, these treasures could continue to bring us together and stimulate thought. If the restored pieces are finally presented in the old synagogue, they will not only act as individual pieces, but as symbols of survival and resilience in the history of the Jewish community in Erfurt.
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| Ort | Erfurt, Deutschland |
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