12th-Century Christian Figure Depiction Uncovered

During a routine construction project in the small village in Germany’s Klotzow, in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, a 12th-century boulder with a carved depiction of a man was unearthed. This very surprising discovery is being hailed as one of the most extraordinary finds in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in recent years. The 900-year-old picture stone, a type of decorative slab commonly used in the Viking or Germanic periods, has an engraved image of a figure holding a cross over its midsection – likely, Bishop Otto von Bamberg, who was greatly involved in the Christianization of Pomeria.

Unearthing the Ancient Stone

The ancient stone was stumbled upon by Peter Wittenberg while he was digging around the foundation of his home near Anklam. The granite slab unearthed stands about one meter (3.28 feet) tall, 60 centimeters (1.96 feet) wide, and 40 centimeters (1.31 feet) deep. Picture stones, also known as image stones, were typically made from limestone and raised as memorials in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, according to a press release by Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs.

Although usually not placed near graves, they served as significant markers, often featuring intricate carvings. Most known examples are from Gotland, but they remain rare finds elsewhere.

Wittenberg discovered this stone lying horizontally just below the surface, with the carved image facing upwards. It had likely served as a step, perhaps leading to a doorway that has long since been sealed up. The dirt covering the stone was just ten or twenty centimeters deep, allowing for its relatively easy discovery. Wittenberg speculates that the house in which it was repurposed was originally built in the 18th century and later underwent renovations.

After the find, the stone was transported to Schwerin for further study and documentation. On Wednesday, it was publicly unveiled by Culture Minister Bettina Martin and state archaeologist Dr. Detlef Jantzen, with the proud finder, Wittenberg, in attendance.

Finder Peter Wittenberg, Culture Minister Bettina Martin and state archaeologist Dr. Detlef Jantzen at the presentation of the stone. (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ministry of Science & Culture)

Rare Evidence of Christianization in the Area

Picture stones are exceedingly rare finds. Dr. Jantzen notes that only five others have been found in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—two in Altenkirchen and Bergen on Rügen, two in Wolgast, and one in Grüttow near Stolpe on the Peene River, known as the Wartislaw stone. A few more have been discovered in Ermland and Masuria in Poland, bringing the total known pieces to just 20.

The Klotzow stone, weighing half a ton, is a significant addition to this exclusive group.

While the exact reason for the stone’s placement remains a mystery, Dr. Jantzen believes it was likely meant as a memorial. The recent discovery has sparked plans for a more detailed archaeological exploration of Klotzow, where remnants of an old church or chapel and a ferry landing for the island of Usedom have been found.

To better analyze the stone’s carvings, a 3D model will be created, allowing experts to study the details more closely. At this point, it’s still unclear what the figure is holding in its right hand, leaving some questions unanswered.

What makes this stone especially intriguing is that it’s the only one of its kind known to feature a figure holding a cross in front of its body. This detail strongly suggests that the figure might represent a Christian dignitary or a follower of the faith — an extremely rare depiction from the period of Christianization in the region, reports Arkeonews.

Otto Bishop of Bamberg in Saint George abbey church, Bamberg. (Wolfgang Sauber/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Bringing Christianity to the Southern Baltic Coast

The Christianization of Pomerania is closely linked to Bishop Otto von Bamberg, whose first missionary journey will mark its 900th anniversary in 2024. To commemorate this milestone, the Wolgast Museum will host an exhibition titled “World in Transition – Otto von Bamberg and the Christianization of Pomerania 900 years ago,” showcasing numerous artifacts from the Archaeological Archive of the State Office for Culture and Monument Preservation.

The Christianization of Pomerania in the 12th century marked a pivotal shift from paganism to Christianity in the region along the southern Baltic Sea coast. Before this period, Pomerania was inhabited by Slavic tribes who practiced polytheistic religions, with early and sporadic attempts at conversion made by neighboring Christian rulers, though these efforts had limited success.

According to Dr. Jantzen, the figure carved into the stone could very well be a church official, possibly even Bishop Otto of Bamberg himself (circa 1060-1139), who was instrumental in bringing Christianity to Pomerania. The cross on the stone appears to be suspended from a scarf or vestment—perhaps a pallium, a special garment given by the pope to high-ranking church officials. Interestingly, Bishop Otto received a pallium in 1111, adding weight to the theory that he could be the figure depicted.

Otto was sent on two major missionary expeditions by Duke Bolesław III Wrymouth of Poland, who wanted to bring Pomerania under Polish influence by spreading Christianity. Otto’s first mission took place from 1124 to 1125, during which he traveled extensively through the region, visiting key cities like Szczecin (Stettin) and Wolin, reports Stuttgarter Nachrichten.

His approach, which emphasized diplomacy and respect for local customs, helped him gain the trust of local leaders and their communities. As a result, many were converted to Christianity, and Otto established churches and appointed clergy to support the new Christian communities.

Top image: Slavic picture stone, perhaps representing Bishop Otto.     Source: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ministry of Science & Culture

By Sahir Pandey