Golden Thebal ring

Octagonal gold ring with engraved inscription ‘THEBAL GUT GUTTANI’. The ring was found in the house of a goldsmith in the
Slavic gord (fortified settlement) of Spandau. The meaning of the inscription remains unclear, but its use is noted in numerous medicinal manuscripts, and reflects Christian influence. Such inscriptions were seen as a sort of incantation against various illnesses. Thebal rings were made of silver or gold, and were thus only affordable for the wealthy.