In ancient times it was customary for men to hide their treasures in the earth. Thefts and robberies were frequent. And whenever there was a change in the ruling power, those who had large possessions were liable to be put under heavy tribute. Moreover the country was in constant danger of invasion by marauding armies. As a consequence, the rich endeavored to preserve their wealth by concealing it, and the earth was looked upon as a safe hiding place. But often the place of concealment was forgotten; death might claim the owner, imprisonment or exile might separate him from his treasure, and the wealth he had taken such pains to preserve was left for the fortunate finder. In Christ's day it was not uncommon to discover in neglected land old coins and ornaments of gold and silver.

I gamle dage var det skik og brug, at man gemte sine skatte i jorden. Der var mange tyve og røvere, og hver gang der kom en ny regent, var det ofte, at de, der var meget rige, var udsat for at blive pålignet en stor skat. Desuden var der altid fare for at landet ville blive hærget af fjendtlige plyndringstogter. Som følge af dette prøvede de rige at bevare deres skatte ved at gemme dem, og man regnede jorden for et sikkert skjulested. Men ofte blev skjulestedet glemt; ejeren døde måske, eller også blev han skilt fra sine skatte på grund af fængsling eller landsforvisning, og den rigdom, som han havde gjort sig megen umage for at bevare, blev overladt til den heldige finder På Kristi tid var det ikke ualmindeligt at finde gamle mønter og smykker af guld eller sølv på marker der ikke længere blev dyrket.