The summary is as follows: 1. In July 2009, a treasure hoard from the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia was discovered in Staffordshire, England. 2. The hoard contained over 1,500 pieces of gold and silver jewelry and artifacts from the 7th century, making it the largest Anglo-Saxon treasure ever found in Britain. 3. The artifacts are believed to have been war loot that was buried for safekeeping but never reclaimed, giving insights into Mercia's military history and trading networks during that time period.

2. ‘ In pure gold inlay on the sword-guards there were rune-markings correctly Incised stating and recording for whom the sword had been first made and ornamented with its scrollworked hilt.’ Beowulf 1694-98

3. July 2009

4. Hammerwich, near Lichfield in Staffordshire

5. Over 1,500 pieces of beautifully crafted gold and silver from the 7th century Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia.

6. Most valuable treasure hoard ever discovered in the UK, worth £3.3 million

7. 5kg of gold and 1.3kg of silver

8. Comparisons have been made to Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, found in 1939, which included 2kg of gold.

17. Celebrities swing into action behind the fundraising campaign

25. How were such ornate items made in Anglo Saxon times? What trading links were established in Anglo Saxon times? How did the gold reach Britain’s shores, and how was it carried here? What links are there to Birmingham’s thriving jewellery industry today?

26. What role did Staffordshire play in ancient Mercia? What was life like in Staffordshire, during Anglo Saxon times? What links are there to existing Staffordshire Anglo Saxon finds? Why did the Hoard end up in Staffordshire?

27. What are the links between the Hoard and early Christendom? What does the biblical inscription tell us? What are the links to the Lichfield Angel & St Chad? What is the significance of the folded up cross and serpents? Are there any links to the St Chad Gospels?

28. What are the links to Offa, and key figures of the period? What battles took place, and what role did the Hoard play? Who were the owners of the Hoard, and what wars did they fight in? What role did Tamworth play in ancient Mercia?

29. How did the archaeologists extract the Hoard? Why did the Hoard get laid down in Staffordshire? How can archaeology uncover the secrets of the Hoard?

33. The start of an incredible journey

34. “ The hard helmet, hasped with gold, will be stripped of its hoops” Beowulf, 2255-6

35. ‘ They let the ground keep that ancestral treasure, gold under gravel, gone to earth as useless to men now as it ever was.’ Beowulf, 3166-68