ancient history

A New York family bought a small ceramic bowl for $3 at a yard sale, only to learn it was a 1,000-year-old Chinese artifact from the Song Dynasty that later sold at Sotheby’s for $2.2 million.

The medieval period has left us a treasure trove of glittering relics, holy objects, and jaw-dropping manuscripts that fetch fortunes at auctions and sit behind glass in the world’s greatest museums. These artifacts are not just priceless for their artistry—they also carry stories of power, devotion, and intrigue. Below, we explore 20 of the most valuable medieval items in the world, where they are today, and what they’re worth. Grab your goblet, noble reader—it’s going to be a dazzling journey through the Middle Ages.