History enthusiasts with metal detectors have recently brought archaeologists to the ruins of medieval monasteries - thanks to a strange symbol found on the old map.
Arkeologerna, an archaeological organization related to the Swedish government, announced the discovery. The remains of the monastery were found in a field in Derome in southwestern Sweden.
In a statement from Swedish to English, Arkeolgerna praised amateur Göran Bengtsson with a precise website.
Archaeologists found severe discoveries after finding ancient Roman buildings
While studying the 18th century map, Bengtsson noticed a strange rectangle and brought himself to the scene. Surveyors marked the location as "Klosterkullen" or "Monastery Hill" on a map in 1760.
After passing Bengtsson's alarm, archaeologists head to the site and use ground penetration radar (GPR) to explore the site. GPR can show what is hidden on the ground - it reveals the walls of the "possible" monastery ruins.
According to local officials, a map study by history enthusiasts led to the discovery of a possible medieval monastery in Sweden. (archaeologist)
Archaeologist Bengt Westergaard said the discovery surprised him.
"I've been an archaeologist for 40 years, and it's unique," Westergaard said.
He added: "I've never seen anything like that; the walls are clear."
“I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Weather conditions also help archaeologists. Bengtsson found traces of the monastery on the dry summer day.
“When the ground is dry, what is called crop markings can be formed, and these walls are very visible on the ground,” he explained.
Bengtsson noticed a confusing symbol while studying 18th-century maps. (archaeologist)
"When using ground radar, any structure below the ground appears as a dark spot, and there are obvious abnormalities here."
Archaeologists have discovered walls about 6.5 feet thick and other aspects of the building.
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Experts believe that walls are the remains of the pillar foundation.
"This is the oriental wings and dormitories we see," Arkeologerna's statement added. "Not sure about building more; they may have started building the church and then stopped."
Experts say the ruins are almost certainly proof of medieval monasteries, but more research will be done. (archaeologist)
“We didn’t know until we investigated the site further.”
Dating back to the late 1100s, the monastery was probably the original site of Åsbbey, a large monastery managed by the religious order of the Sethos.
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"Ås... were later moved in the 13th century." "In a letter to a conference in 1243, the then ABBOT applied to move the Ås monastery."
Sweden is a wealthy Nordic country that has been home to some historical discoveries over the past year.
Experts say the Swedish location may have been the original location of the Ås Monastery before its relocation in the 13th century. (archaeologist)
Last spring, archaeologists discovered a 12th-century grave during excavation - and discovered a buried treasure.
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This year, Arkeologerna announced the discovery of an "unusual" Viking era coffin It can be traced back to more than 1100 years.