Sun Chariot: An ornate Bronze Age treasure that may have featured in an ancient Nordic religious ceremony
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Name: Sun Chariot
What it is: A bronze and gold leaf diorama of a horse pulling a sun disk
Where it is from: Trundholm moor, in Zealand, Denmark
When it was made: Circa 1400 B.C.
Related: Prosciutto di Portici: A portable sundial that looks like a pork leg — and it was likely owned by Julius Caesar's father-in-law before Mount Vesuvius erupted
What it tells us about the past:
Three centuries after horse-drawn chariots were introduced to Scandinavia, a Bronze Age artisan crafted the Sun Chariot, a stunningly detailed object that may represent an ancient mythological scene or even a rare calendar.
The Sun Chariot was discovered in 1902 by a peat farmer who was working on the Trundholm moor in Denmark, about 42 miles (67 kilometers) northwest of Copenhagen. It was found in numerous pieces and has since been reconstructed by experts at the National Museum of Denmark, where it is on display.
Taken as a whole, the bronze object is about 21 inches (54 centimeters) long and 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The large disk is covered in a thin layer of gold on one side and decorated with spirals, which are commonly found on Nordic Bronze Age artifacts, according to Flemming Kaul, curator of the prehistory collections at the National Museum.
Kaul has interpreted the artifact as representing a prehistoric Bronze Age idea of the voyage of the sun, as the divine horse pulls the sun across the heavens from east to west during the day and into the underworld at night. Spirals on the disk and the use of wheels may indicate the sun's constant journey, and the object may have been used by ancient priests to demonstrate the astronomical myth.
MORE ASTONISHING ARTIFACTS
—Ram in the Thicket: A 4,500-year-old gold statue from the royal cemetery at Ur
—Oseberg tapestry: Viking Age artwork from a boat burial that may depict the Norse tree of life
—Hatnefer's heart scarab: An exquisite ancient Egyptian gold necklace inscribed with the Book of the Dead
An alternative interpretation of the disk is that it represents a prehistoric calendar. In a 2006 study, Danish archaeologist Klavs Randsborg argued that there was an interesting mathematical pattern in the concentric circles on the disk, and he pointed out that the total number of ornamental designs on the gilded side of the sun is 52, or the number of weeks in a year. And a 2008 study by astronomers Rahlf Hansen and Christine Rink posited that the Sun Chariot was a movable calendar that could predict lunar eclipses.
In 2011, the Sun Chariot was put on the Danish 1,000-krone banknote. As of June 1, 2025, however, this banknote is no longer legal tender due to changes the Danish government is making to its cash currency.
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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Sun Chariot: An ornate Bronze Age treasure that may have featured in an ancient Nordic religious ceremony
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Name: Sun Chariot What it is: A bronze and gold leaf diorama of a horse pulling a sun disk Where it is from: Trundholm moor, in Zealand, Denmark When it was made: Circa 1400 B.C. Related: Prosciutto di Portici: A portable sundial that looks like a pork leg — and it was likely owned by Julius Caesar's father-in-law before Mount Vesuvius erupted What it tells us about the past: Three centuries after horse-drawn chariots were introduced to Scandinavia, a Bronze Age artisan crafted the Sun Chariot, a stunningly detailed object that may represent an ancient mythological scene or even a rare calendar. The Sun Chariot was discovered in 1902 by a peat farmer who was working on the Trundholm moor in Denmark, about 42 miles (67 kilometers) northwest of Copenhagen. It was found in numerous pieces and has since been reconstructed by experts at the National Museum of Denmark, where it is on display. Taken as a whole, the bronze object is about 21 inches (54 centimeters) long and 14 inches (35 cm) tall. The large disk is covered in a thin layer of gold on one side and decorated with spirals, which are commonly found on Nordic Bronze Age artifacts, according to Flemming Kaul, curator of the prehistory collections at the National Museum. Kaul has interpreted the artifact as representing a prehistoric Bronze Age idea of the voyage of the sun, as the divine horse pulls the sun across the heavens from east to west during the day and into the underworld at night. Spirals on the disk and the use of wheels may indicate the sun's constant journey, and the object may have been used by ancient priests to demonstrate the astronomical myth. MORE ASTONISHING ARTIFACTS —Ram in the Thicket: A 4,500-year-old gold statue from the royal cemetery at Ur —Oseberg tapestry: Viking Age artwork from a boat burial that may depict the Norse tree of life —Hatnefer's heart scarab: An exquisite ancient Egyptian gold necklace inscribed with the Book of the Dead An alternative interpretation of the disk is that it represents a prehistoric calendar. In a 2006 study, Danish archaeologist Klavs Randsborg argued that there was an interesting mathematical pattern in the concentric circles on the disk, and he pointed out that the total number of ornamental designs on the gilded side of the sun is 52, or the number of weeks in a year. And a 2008 study by astronomers Rahlf Hansen and Christine Rink posited that the Sun Chariot was a movable calendar that could predict lunar eclipses. In 2011, the Sun Chariot was put on the Danish 1,000-krone banknote. As of June 1, 2025, however, this banknote is no longer legal tender due to changes the Danish government is making to its cash currency.
USA Today
4 days ago
- USA Today
You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel international
You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel international Show Caption Hide Caption Travel tips: What to do if you lose phone, passports These four travel tips will help in case you find yourself without a phone, ID, passport or credit card while traveling. Problem Solved Traveling internationally as a family is a true privilege, but not everyone can swing a journey abroad. Flights alone can put you well over budget, especially if you need to purchase multiple seats. Yet for parents who want to take their kids to a new, unfamiliar place without breaking the bank, there's still hope. Dotted around the country are unique U.S. family vacations that feel just like a visit to another country. Satisfy your craving for foreign landscapes and cultures with one of these seven spots for unique family vacations in the continental United States. (Note that most of these destinations also offer the chance to learn about the area's Native American history, which shouldn't be missed.) Why you can trust us: At FamilyVacationist, our picks are always based on our own real-world experiences, local knowledge and interviews, and in-depth analysis of travel trends. Read more about our travel recommendation methodology here. GO ABROAD: 7 kid-friendly European river cruises to consider in 2025 1. Chimayo, New Mexico Feels like: Mexico's Countryside The Sangre de Cristo Mountains hold many secrets, and one of them is the village of Chimayo. Only a roughly 30-minute drive from Santa Fe, Chimayo looks like something out of a vintage postcard from rural Mexico. Its pueblo-style architecture, weaving shops, and slower way of life make a visit here one of the most unique U.S. family vacations. Chimayo's close proximity to Santa Fe means you can easily spend a few nights in town or visit as a day trip from the city. Families can relish a handful of educational experiences that showcase the local history and culture at the Chimayo Museum, El Santuario de Chimayo church, and Rancho de Chimayo. There are also outdoor activities like the Santa Cruz Lake and rafting in the nearby Rio Grande Gorge. Where to Stay: Find plenty of smaller, independently run inns and B&Bs in Chimayo, including Casa Escondida, which sits on six beautiful acres of mountain landscapes. Bonus points for the ultra-comfy beds and family-friendly rooms. SOUTH OF THE BORDER: The ultimate guide to family vacations in Mexico: Beaches, ruins, and unforgettable adventures 2. Solvang, California Feels like: Denmark Your kids will feel like they've stepped into a fairytale in this colorful European-style town tucked away in California's Central Coast. Since being founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, Solvang has preserved its authentic history, architecture and culture—all of which is palpable as families meander down its festive downtown. The Solvang Trolley is a great way to get the lay of the land upon arrival. Families also will love visiting the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, which offers scavenger hunts; as well as the Old Mission Santa Ines museum; Ostrich Land; Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch; and Nojoqui Falls Park. Don't forget to stop at the whimsical Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat. Where to Stay: Solvang has a real mix of accommodations, including the luxe dude ranch Alisal Ranch and downtown's hip and boutiquey The Winston. GO WEST: 7 affordable California vacation ideas for the whole family 3. Alys Beach, Florida Feels like: Santorini, Greece White stucco buildings overlooking shimmering waters conjure up scenes of Santorini, Greece – only at Alys Beach, the sand is powdery white. Nestled along Florida's pristine Panhandle, this family-friendly, planned community offers the aesthetic of Greece at a fraction of what you'd likely pay to haul the entire gang to the islands. Family amenities include a resort-style pool, private beach access, bike rentals with baby seat mounts available if needed, a nature preserve with a boardwalk and trails, an amphitheater that hosts occasional concerts and movie nights, splash pad-style fountains, and seasonal blueberry picking along Lake Marilyn. (Learn what makes the Panhandle one of the top unique Florida attractions for kids.) Where to Stay: There are no hotels in Alys Beach (for a traditional hotel stay, look to nearby Panama City Beach), but there are plenty of vacation rentals featuring great design and local vibes. ALL-IN-ONE VACATIONS: 7 best all-inclusive resorts in Florida for families 4. Holland, Michigan Feels like: The Netherlands Much like what you'd see in the Netherlands, fields across Holland, Michigan, dazzle with the colors of tulips in the spring. The annual Tulip Time Festival is one of the city's greatest attractions, but there are many more reasons why this little slice of Dutch paradise makes for one of the most unique U.S. family vacations. Nelis' Dutch Village offers a glimpse of what the Netherlands was like more than 100 years ago. Must-visit sites for families include the Windmill Island Gardens, Outdoor Discovery Center and the shallow-water Ottawa Beach, which has a playground, restrooms, and general store on site. Where to Stay: In addition to all the usual major hotel chains, you'll also find Teerman Lofts, a hotel that offers fully furnished luxury apartments instead of the usual hotel rooms. MIDWEST MAGIC: These 13 Midwest vacations are the perfect way to bring the whole family together 5. 1000 Islands, New York Feels like: Northwestern France (Cotes-d'Armor) The northwestern coast of France isn't on many families' radars. Its small archipelago of Ile-de-Brehat, however, is a hot spot for Europeans who are drawn to its dramatic landscape of tiny, lush islands surrounded by deep-blue water. The setting shares similarities with New York's 1000 Islands, particularly Alexandria Bay, whose Boldt Castle can make anyone feel like they've teleported to Europe. A quick, 30-minute drive from Alexandria Bay to the charming town of Cape Vincent will give you a closer look at the 1000 Islands' French history, which is celebrated every year at the French Festival. Other activities like hiking, go-kart rides, drive-in movie showings, boating, and water sports all cater to families with adventurous spirits. Where to Stay: Roadside motels, little inns, and family-run resorts rule when it comes to lodgings in Alexandria Bay. For castle views and a swimming pool, check out The Ledges Resort & Marina. BEYOND THE BIG APPLE: 13 best New York family vacations from the Adirondacks to the Erie Canal 6. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Feels like: The English Countryside From 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' to the 'Harry Potter' series, family films have long fed the desire for many to visit England's countryside. For those not able or ready to fly across the pond, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a lovely and unique U.S. family vacation. Quintessential English cottages, tucked-away courtyards, and cobblestone streets look as if they've been plucked from a town like Rye or Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy a more British experience with an afternoon cuppa at the local tea house and imported British treats at the candy store. And don't forget to make time to check out Carmel Beach; Point Lobos State Natural Reserve; the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum; the Forest Theater; and the nearby Monterey Bay Aquarium. Where to Stay: Family-friendly lodging options in Carmel (which includes Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley and Carmel Highlands) include Quail Lodge Golf & Club, which has big rooms and suites plus a year-round heated outdoor pool. PACK YOUR FLIP-FLOPS: 8 best hotels on the beach in California 7. Helen, Georgia Feels like: Bavaria, Germany German traditions like Oktoberfest and the Christmas markets have become pretty ubiquitous, but few places close to home can transport you to Deutschland like Helen, Georgia. What makes this one of the top underrated U.S. cities for a pseudo-international getaway is not only its Bavarian look and feel, but also its sheer variety of activities that both parents and kids will love. A candy factory, a handmade wooden toy store, a recreational center with Alpine-style miniature golf, and the award-winning Cabbage Patch Kids toy store will make little ones' dreams come true. Throw in authentic restaurants serving up everything from schnitzel to spaetzle, an Alpine mountain coaster and scenic nature hikes, and everyone will be a happy camper. (See why Helen is also one of the best skip-gen destinations that guarantee fun for both grandparents and grandkids.) Where to Stay: When it comes to places to stay in Helen, you can choose from its blend of chain hotels and independent motels and inns. For everything you need with kids, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Helen is a good bet. You don't need a passport at these 7 US destinations that feel just like an international vacation originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
The Post-America Moms Club Helping Families Start Over in Europe
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. One wrong turn in Mallorca, and Suset Laboy was texting 70 other mothers for help. She was driving her four-year-old twin daughter to school earlier this year when she swerved to avoid a serious crash, but still got rear-ended. She was fine. Her daughter was fine. But her heart was racing, and she had no idea what to do next in a country with rules she didn't fully understand. Back in Brooklyn, where she'd lived for 14 years before moving abroad, she would've known exactly how to handle it. In Spain, she opened WhatsApp. The thread she turned to wasn't just any group chat—it was Mother Euro, a growing community and relocation service founded by two American moms to support women who've left the U.S. behind in search of something better. Part concierge, part lifeline, Mother Euro connects moms with everything from visa lawyers to pediatricians to the best iced coffee in town. The network currently includes 80 members, and while most are based in Spain, the U.K. is their second-largest hub, with plans to expand across other European markets. 'I didn't feel comfortable living in the U.S. anymore,' says Alice Kim, an American citizen and Mother Euro member who moved from California back to her birthplace, Seoul, before settling in Barcelona with her husband and two-year-old son. 'I was worried about the political climate. My friends raising their kids there would talk about gun violence and how the kids would have to prepare for breathing without their chest moving. Our American dream really got shattered.' Kim isn't alone. A growing number of Americans are considering or actively planning to relocate to Europe, driven by concerns over political and social issues, including racial equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Relocation firms have reported increased inquiries, citing political polarization, threats to personal rights, and safety concerns. Applications for British citizenship by Americans have reached record highs. The day after Trump's second election, Google searches for how to leave the U.S. spiked by over 1,500 percent. Even celebrities have made exit plans: Rosie O'Donnell moved to Ireland in March. Ellen DeGeneres reportedly relocated to the U.K. last fall, as did Courtney Love. We're not just a relocation service. We're a village. We want to build each other up. For mothers in particular, the push factors are hard to ignore. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, and since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, access to life-saving care can depend on your zip code. Meanwhile, child care costs have soared—averaging $11,582 annually, according to Child Care Aware of America—and in many places, the cost of caring for two children now exceeds the cost of housing. So last fall two American moms, Emily San Jose, 34, and Maggie Gavilán, 32, launched Mother Euro, a membership-based community designed to help women navigate the move abroad and build a life once they're there. Aspiring members pay $1,500 a year for full relocation support, while Resident members who are already living abroad pay $500 annually to join a network of local moms and access the group's resources, meetups, and ongoing assistance. It's part WhatsApp hive mind, part on-the-ground network for everything from kids' weird rashes to the best local cafés to hit with toddlers in tow. It's also where a member can seek advice when, say, she's rear-ended in a new country and not sure how insurance works in Spain. 'We're not just a relocation service. We're a village,' says Gavilán. 'We want to build each other up. A traditional relocation specialist is going to be, you know, the guy that your dad's company set you up with. He's gonna show you, you know, the best moving company. And we have all those things, but we bring in the emotional factor that we know is so important as women and as moms.' In addition to real estate agents and top-notch immigration lawyers, Mother Euro connects members with nutritionists, multilingual therapists, and barre studios. When I mention someone who moved to Spain to access IVF, which is significantly cheaper there than in the U.S., Gavilán jumps in: 'Do we have a partner for IVF? Not yet. But if you need one tomorrow? We'll find them.' Most moms hear about Mother Euro through San Jose, the Madrid-based cofounder better known as @MamaInMadrid. The Oregon native moved to Spain immediately after college, with a plan to stay for a year, make money as an au pair, and travel in her free time. One month later, she met her Spanish husband. They eventually moved back to the Pacific Northwest for five years, but returned to Spain in 2021 to be closer to family. Online, San Jose is poised, mixing aspirational ease with dry humor in near-perfect Castilian Spanish. Take, for example, the blackout in Spain and Portugal in April. In a post about it on Instagram, San Jose tells the camera she was in the gym when it happened—aspirational!—and says, 'I went into flight or fight mode. My husband says that that is a very American reaction, to sort of catastrophize things. Fine with me if that's going to be my reaction in this situation.' Relatable! Among 30-something U.S. expats, San Jose is a bit of a celebrity. Proof: When I told a Spanish acquaintance that I was interviewing American moms in Madrid, she squeed, 'Do you know MamaInMadrid?!' Further proof: Gavilán, Mother Euro's cofounder, DMed San Jose last year when she was considering moving to Madrid, too. She has dual citizenship and wanted to be closer to her family. 'I saw this really pretty blonde girl living in Spain, speaking fluent Spanish, and I was like, maybe she'll be my friend,' she says. They met for drinks the next time Gavilán visited, shut down the bar, and took a few blurry two a.m. selfies. Gavilán got pregnant soon after, and started seriously planning her family's relocation. 'Raising children and even just being a pregnant woman in the States, transparently, felt really scary,' she says. 'So I wanted to give my kids and myself, selfishly—and I can be selfish—a better life.' Of course, moving to Europe isn't always as romantic as it sounds. There are visas to secure, cultural nuances to decode, and costs to consider. (Gavilán estimates relocation costs around $15,000, though it varies widely.) As she navigated her own move, friends and strangers began reaching out for advice. 'I'm telling you, I was on the phone until two a.m. sometimes trying to help moms with finding the right attorney or with the right education consultant because they didn't understand the nuances between the US and EU system and how that would work, which, I didn't either when I was figuring it out,' she says. That's when she realized there was a real need for a service that could guide women through it—not just logistically, but emotionally. 'People want to do this,' she says. 'But they want to feel as though they're in community with somebody doing it, either at the same time, or who has already done it—and also somebody who they want to hang out with.' Raising children and even just being a pregnant woman in the States, transparently, felt really scary. Though most of the Mother Euro action happens online, the group hosted its first IRL event in April: a dinner party in Madrid to celebrate the official launch. Thirty women flew in from Costa Brava, Mallorca, and London.'There were so many badass women there,' says Kim, who traveled from Barcelona to attend. During an icebreaker, members were first instructed to 'step in' if they were born in the U.S. For the second prompt, they were asked to take a step in if they were a business owner. 'I think three-fourths of the room stepped in,' she says. 'After that I was like, I'm going to have to step up my game.' She sat next to Heather, an American mom who's lived in Europe for 17 years, and peppered her with questions about schooling. Heather insisted on local schools over international ones. 'Now I'm leaning local too,' Kim says. 'Because more and more I feel like I don't want my son to go to a U.S. college after living all his adolescence in Europe. It would feel like a back step.' Mother Euro is expensive, on top of all the other costs that go into moving your life somewhere else, and it's not not luxury service. But it's one that 200-plus women are willing to pay; that's how many applicants Gavilán says they've been receiving per month. One aspiring member, who is planning a move to Madrid after her second child is born, says her membership has already been worth it. She explained that it was especially helpful for navigating Spain's Beckham Law, which allows foreign workers to pay significantly less in income tax than Spanish citizens, and far less than they would in the U.S. Still, upending your life to relocate to Europe isn't a panacea, nor is it easy. Moving abroad is a privilege and a struggle—both things can be true. Even the founders are still figuring things out as they go along: Gavilán is currently weighing public versus private hospitals in Madrid for her C-section; Laboy misses the diversity of Brooklyn. But for Laboy, the hardest part has been leaving her sister and parents behind. 'It feels sad, and at the same time, it feels like the right choice for us at this very moment,' she says, tears forming. 'It's very important for me to recognize that this move is a privilege that not everybody has.' 'Still,' she adds, 'living here feels like an exhale.' This community really helps me mentally. Mother Euro affirms something mothers around the world have always known: When women are part of the conversation, everyone wins. '[Our launch dinner party] reminded us that mothers will travel near and far to be seen, supported, and celebrated by their communities,' Gavilán recapped over email after the event. 'Listening to everyone share their stories on why they moved, what they're seeking, and how they're building their lives abroad—it was a powerful affirmation of why we created this space.' It also proves that no matter where you are, whether you're figuring out tax residency or just daycare culture, motherhood still takes a village. Like when Kim's son came home from his Spanish daycare with a goodie bag. 'I was like, 'Wait, was there a birthday party I didn't know about? Am I missing something? Do I need to send a gift?'' So she hit up the Mother Euro chat, where San Jose explained that in Spain, the birthday kid gifts their friends—instead of the other way around. The same goes for adults: if you host the dinner, you pick up the check. 'This community really helps me mentally,' Kim says. She's since made a real-life friend in Barcelona through Mother Euro, and the two are going to an Imagine Dragons concert this summer. 'Making friends when you're older is harder, but within Mother Euro, we all have so many commonalities that it just helps us click. I'm confident that whoever is in it shares the same values.' And after arriving in Spain in February, she hasn't looked back.
