The most biggest shark that is twice the size as the great white. This shark is massive and that can bite of a blue whale belly. This shark is EXTINCT it is a prehistoryic shark.

Megalodon

3D Scan of an Antenna dagger with a sheath and a decorated handle from the Hallstatt cemetery (circa 600–400 BC) found in grave Nr.116. This Iron Age cemetery and the salt mine are among the most important archaeological sites in Austria, more than 1500 burials have been found so far.

The dagger can be found in Hall 12 of the NHM Vienna.

This dagger was chosen for scanning via a [Facebook survey](https://www.facebook.com/Naturhistorisches.Museum.Wien).  To learn more about our [3D Museum](https://www.nhm-wien.ac.at/museum_online/3D) watch [this "Science Talk" from the NHMW](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w7QbZDRs0E) by V. Winkler & A. Haider (in German).

**Object**: Antenna Dagger and Sheath

**Inventory number**: NHMW-PRAE-24.048

**Collection**: NHMW, Prehistory Dept., Hallstatt cemetery (contact: Georg Tiefengraber)

Find out more about the NHMW [here](http://www.nhm-wien.ac.at/en).

Scanned & edited by Viola Winkler &  Anna Haider (NHMW)

Scanner: Artec Space Spider. Infrastructure funded by the FFG.

Antenna Dagger and Sheath (NHMW-PRAE-24.048)

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-23109.9](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1508896)

**Material:** Iron, Gold, Coral

**Dimensions:** 74 x 5,8 cm

**Dating:** 375-200 BCE

The sword is forged from iron, and has an iron scabbard. It is characterised by a hilt with remnants of wood, a small rivet, a spherical pommel with volute decorations, a crossguard featuring a roof-shaped metal plate with spiral volutes, and a rivet securing the plate. The scabbard has a  roof-shaped mouth. On the front are two connected decorative rivets with a gold sheet rivet, coral overlay, below that sheet metal with volutes and below that a triangular, openwork net ornament. Several circular elements can be seen on the sides. The back features a profiled bar, accompanied by a small triangular net ornament backed with gold sheet.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Sword with a scabbard

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-2373](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1029450)

**Material:** Bronze

**Dimensions:**  63,3 x 6,89 cm, 28,4 mm

**Dating:** 1050-801 BCE

A bronze sword with an oval handle, decorated with three wide, circumferential strips adorned with diagonal lines. The lower end of the handle is flared and has an angular notch in the middle. The blade exhibits a slight indentation and is gently curved. The central region of the specimen is characterised by a flat ridge, flanked on either side by two narrow, low strips. The latter are distinguished by the presence of diagonal hatching towards the upper end. Concentric circle ornaments are stamped onto the upper end of the blade, where the edges are indented. The antennae exhibit a wide, ribbon-shaped and simply rolled structure.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Antenna Sword

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-13817](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1259441)

**Material:** Iron, Copper

**Dimensions:** 

**Dating:** 

The artefact is composed of an iron disc that has been covered with a gold-plated copper plate, which features a concentric decorative scheme. The central area is characterised by the presence of a circular protrusion. Four sets of motifs can be discerned emanating from the object's centre and extending to its periphery. The sequence of elements from the central point towards the periphery is as follows: firstly, a band of waves, radiating flame-like rays, and subsequently, a bar with floral decoration. A band of waves is once again evident at the periphery.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Phalera

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19020.36040.1](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1475584)

**Material:** Iron

**Dimensions:** 93,6 x 14,4 cm

**Dating:** 680 - 900 CE

The spatha is a type of straight, long sword. It is characterised by its double-edged blade. It is typically held with one hand and is primarily used for cutting. The edges of this specimen curve inwards slightly towards the rounded, relatively short tip. The central part of the blade has grooves. Faint remnants of the wooden scabbard are visible on one side of the blade. Small areas with textile impressions are visible on both sides.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Spatha

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-22511.1](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1014670)

**Material:** Silver

**Dimensions:** 7,71 x 4,47 cm, 17 mm

**Dating:** 475 - 525 CE

The silver brooch is distinguished by its semi-circular, hollow headplate. The headplate is embellished with five buttons of alternating shapes, which have been inserted, soldered and secured by iron pins. Three of these buttons are still intact. The longitudinally profiled bow is fitted with a diamond-shaped base plate featuring an animal head at one end. The inner surfaces of the head and base plates are decorated with five spiral tendrils in a fluted pattern, whilst the eyes and nostrils of the animal head are gilded. The frame of the foot and the central bar of the clasp are nielloed. 

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Bow Fibula

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/Object ID)

**Material:** 

**Dimensions:** 

**Dating:** 

The ring is fitted with a setting. The setting has an irregular square shape with a flat base. Noteworthy features include the relatively high, diverging rear bezel and the high, grooved, converging front bezel, which has a raised edge. The setting contains an irregularly cut, semi-opaque dark blue sapphire cabochon. The ring band has an oval cross-section with a uniform change in width. The ring shoulders are depicted as highly detailed, sculptural animal heads with open mouths and tongues.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Ring with saphir

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-23104.76.1](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1510524)

**Material:** Bronze

**Dimensions:** 16,2 x 6,37 cm, 12,1 mm

**Dating:** 450 - 260 BCE

Openwork belt hook made from bronze. The basic shape is triangular. At the upper end, there is a hook that curves inwards. The fastening end is also triangular in shape, and five rivets are utilised to secure the end of the strap. The belt hook is embellished with openwork and cut-out patterns. The geometric patterns consist primarily of teardrop-shaped and circular motifs. The belt hook is used to fasten a belt by hooking it into a belt loop or a ring. Thechnologically it is a simple design which offers a quicker handling. However in contrast to a belt buckle, it was easily comes undone. 

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Belt hook

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19444.18.2](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1516088)

**Material:** Ceramic

**Dimensions:** Height: 113 mm, Rim diam.: 85 mm

**Dating:** 1050 - 800 BCE

The conical-necked vessel exhibits a blackish-brown pigmentation on its surface.  The object's decoration features vertical fluting from the shoulder to the belly.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Vessel

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19018.071.6.2](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/236842)

**Material:** Bronze, gilded

**Dimensions:** 12,2 × 3,5 cm

**Dating:** 741 - 770 CE

The strap end is made of cast non-ferrous metal and has been gilded. The front of the object features an illustration of a combat between animals in the central panel, with a hare in the side panel. The animals' bodies are decorated with triangular perforations. The back is adorned with a symmetrical, S-shaped ornament.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Strap End

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19018.152.7](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/237553)

**Material:** Bone

**Dimensions:** 26,3 × 2,6 cm

**Dating:** 568 -820 CE

The artefact is a well-preserved limb of a composite reflex bow, featuring a recess for the bowstring. The term 'composite bow' is used to denote a bow that has been constructed from multiple parts and layers of organic origin. The limbs and grip are composed of one or more pieces of wood, which form a core.  The grip is constituted of varying numbers of horn or antler plates which were adhered to the core. The term "reflex" is employed to denote the bow whose limbs, in the unstrung state, are flexed outwards. In the strung state, the limbs are oriented vertically, and in the drawn state, they are directed towards the archer. 

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Bow limb

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19018.071.6.4](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/236844)

**Material:** Bronze, gilded

**Dimensions:** 5,2 × 3,2 cm, 4 mm

**Dating:** 711 - 740 CE

The fitting is distinguished by its rectangular configuration. The illustration depicts a mythological creature, known as a griffin. The piece was cast in openwork and subsequently gilded. The body of the griffin features triangular-shaped indentations.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Belt fitting

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-23092.415.1](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1518075)

**Material:** Ceramic

**Dimensions:** 24x8,8 cm

**Dating:** 3500 - 2700 BCE

The bowl is composed of stone-tempered reddish-brown clay. It is equipped with a saddle-shaped, narrow handle. The vessel's exterior is characterised by the presence of partial decorations, manifesting as incised lines and notches. The most intriguing aspect of this vessel is its structural design, which comprises two distinct compartments intended for the accommodation of disparate materials. The artefact was subjected to significant restoration due to its poor physical condition.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Bowl with a divider inside

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-8334](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1047576)

**Material:** Ceramic

**Dimensions:** 15,68 x 15 cm

**Dating:** 100 - 301 BCE

A pot with a rounded body and a tall, slightly conical. The rim has been flared. The vessel was shaped on a potter's wheel and subsequently fired in a reducing atmosphere. This process is the reason for the artefact's characteristic light brown-grey colour. The surface has undergone a process of meticulous polishing.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19018.011.5](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/ 232718)

**Material:** Antler

**Dimensions:** 13,6 × 1,8 cm

**Dating:** 	568-710 CE

The tool is made of antler, and is possibly one of the tines of a red deer antler. It has been hollowed out at the thicker end, and features a central perforation, decorated with a diamond and dot pattern. 
In older literature, such objects of unknown function are identified as devices to loosening tight knots. On occasion, similarly decorated antler segments have been utilised as components of horse bridles. The antler segments were attached to the bridle bit by means of a central perforation.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Bone tool or horse bridle

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-6981.1](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/254562)

**Material:** Gold plated silver

**Dimensions:** 5,74 x 2,66 cm, 10,5 mm

**Dating:** 6th Century

This silver brooch has a gold-plated surface. The brooch stands out due to its rich decoration, expressed through the dense arrangement of seven small buttons around the edge of the semicircular head plate and its intricate design. There is an animal head at the base of the brooch. The head plate, sides of the bow and base plate are all elaborately carved. Niello-decorated strips outline the contours.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-22958.127](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1117205)

**Material:** Silver

**Dimensions:** 127 x 41 mm

**Dating:** 1200 - 1350 CE

The spoon is characterised by a round, oval-shaped, convexly curved bowl accompanied by a two-part handle. The end piece is distinguished by its smooth surface and rectangular cross-section, while the central section exhibits a rectangular form with a twist. Furthermore, each side is characterised by the presence of two rows of lines. The bowl, middle section and end piece are separated from each other by a profiled node.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Silver spoon

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-15190](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1285347)

**Material:** Ceramic

**Dimensions:** 26 x 30,5 cm

**Dating:** 800 - 451 BCE

Fragment of a medium-fired firedog (moon idol) made of medium-coarse to coarse, brown to dark brown clay with a high proportion of small pebbles. The entire surface features sculpted decorations and incised ridges. 
The function of these ceramic artefacts is a matter of debate. Research shows that they are frequently found in Hallstatt-period settlements and burial grounds. Since the mid-19th century, two main theories have existed within the field of research. It may be a typologically and functionally defined object, such as a fire dog for roasting. However, it could also be an object from a ritual context.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Firedog fragment

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-4564](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1033790)

**Material:** Bronze

**Dimensions:** 10 x 2 cm, 6,8 mm

**Dating:** 450-251 BCE

The function of this bronze fitting remains unknown. This object could be described as a 'piece of jewellery'. It is richly decorated and crescent-shaped. It was crafted using the repoussé technique. The two circles and the teardrop-shaped element in the middle could be interpreted as an anthropomorphic face, similar to early figurative Latène art. The artefact is composed of two thin bronze sheets that have been welded together. It was presumably attached using rivets made of leather or fabric.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Bronze fitting

The recent discovery of ancient rock art in parts of the Peak District has brought about a new project to study these finds. As a volunteer with the Peak Park Cultural Heritage Team, I have been asked to carry out drone surveys of the sites. This is my second one, using my smallest drone - a DJI Mini 2 - which enabled me to get into the tight spaces between the trees surrounding this rock.  More information on the project can be found here: https://www.bradshawfoundation.com/british_isles_prehistory_archive/peak_district_national_park/index.php

Deer Stone, Rowtor Rocks, Peak District

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-20252.17](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/260094)

**Material:** Iron

**Dimensions:** 17 x 16,8 cm

**Dating:** 15 -  CE

An iron shield boss. The original configuration of the object included three rivets arranged in pairs. Only one of these rivets, with a semicircular shape, survives.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Shield boss

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19875.244](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/1006754)

**Material:** Bronze

**Dimensions:** 8,62 x 3,8 cm, 8,1 mm

**Dating:** 15 - 375 CE

The artefact is a bronze pin brooch in its complete form, featuring a tall, trapezoidal pin holder. The bow and the pin are connected by a rivet, around which the pin can move. Both are extended beyond the rivet eye by two pliers-like jaws. When the pin is closed, these jaws press against each other and apply tension to the brooch. This is followed by a short, straight shank, which ends in a bent-up segment.

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Pliers Brooch

**Collection:** Prehistory and Historical Archeology Dept.

**Inv.-No.:** [UF-19463.5245.0](https://www.online.landessammlungen-noe.at/objects/84864)

**Material:** Silver

**Dimensions:** 1,87 x 1,47 cm, 4,9 mm

**Dating:** 400 - 450 CE

This object is made of high-quality silver and has a D-shaped cross-section with tapered, open ends. It shows signs of mechanical working. The excavators’ assessment of the object led to an initial classification as an earring, although a certain resemblance to belt buckles from the same period was noted. 

This object was digitized through the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ program of the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Public Service and Sport.

Asset Library

About These Assets