In 2009, a metal detector enthusiast found a huge Anglo-Saxon treasure hoard in England. It’s the largest collection of gold from this period ever found! Terry Herbert discovered the gold and has worked with a team of archeologists to dig up more than 3,500 different pieces. National Geographic Museum has more than 100 of these shiny objects on display in Washington, D.C.

The exhibition explains the history of the Anglo-Saxons, and explains why the gold may have been buried. In a kids area of the exhibit, you can search for buried treasure with a metal detector, find out how heavy Anglo-Saxon swords and shields were, and make your own Anglo-Saxon helmet. The exhibit will be at the National Geographic Museum through March 4, 2012.

Learn more about the hoard and the exhibit on the National Geographic Events website.

Put together puzzles of some of the objects on display on National Geographic Kids.

Photograph by Robert Clark, National Geographic