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removed as Ireland and Uzbekistan, the hoards reveal the true extent of the Viking global network. The silver cup in which the Vale of York Hoard was buried predates the burial by a century and was probably made for use in a Frankish church. It may well represent treasure stolen in a Viking raid. The Vale of York hoard includes objects coming from as far apart as Afghanistan in the East and Ireland in the West, as well as Russia, Scandinavia and continental Europe. Represented in the hoard are three belief systems (Islam, Christianity and the worship of Thor) and peoples who spoke at least seven languages. Ostentatious jewellery of gold and silver will demonstrate how status was vividly displayed by Viking men and women. These include a stunning silver hoard from Gnezdovo in Russia, never previously seen in the UK, which will highlight the combination of Scandinavian, Slavic and Middle Eastern influences which contributed to the development of the early Russian state in the Viking Age. Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum said ‘The reach and cultural connections of the Viking Age make it a remarkable story shared by many countries, not least here in the British Isles. New discoveries and research have led to a wealth of new information about the Vikings so it is a perfect moment to look again at this critical era.’ Supported by BP and organised by the British Museum, the National Museum of Denmark and the Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Broche Penrith, c. 900 Descubierto cerca de Penrith, Cumbrian (Inglaterra). Plata. © Patronato del Museo Británico/ Penrith Brooch, c.900, from near Penrith, Cumbrian, England. Silver. © The Trustees of the British Museum. Broche con forma de barco, 800- 1050 d. C. Tjørnehøj II, Fionia, Dinamarca. Aleación de cobre. © Museo Nacional de Dinamarca/ Brooch shaped like a ship, 800- 1050. Tjørnehøj II, Funen, Denmark. Copper alloy. © The National Museum of Denmark 105