“Bounty of the Berserkers: 1,200-Year-Old Viking Riches Uncovered in Ancient Gravesite”
Archaeologists Stumble Upon Viking Tomb in Norway, Uncover Extraordinary Artifacts
Archaeologists at the University of Bergen Museum in Norway have made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering two Viking tombs that date back to between 800 and 850 AD. The excavation was made possible thanks to the efforts of two metal detector enthusiasts from the Björgven Detector Club, who stumbled upon the treasure while searching for relics in the region.
The tomb was discovered on Skumsnes Farm in Fijal, southwestern Norway, and preliminary excavations were carried out late last year. The graves were filled with coins, jewelry, and other treasures, which belonged to two wealthy women. The most interesting artifacts found were a gilded oval brooch, fragments of a metal cauldron/plate, and a book clasp.
The book clasp is one of the most remarkable finds, as it is believed to have originated from a Christian monastery in the British Isles before the ninth century. The Vikings adapted the clasp, adding a pin to the back, and it was used as a brooch. This is a rare example of cultural exchange and trade between the Vikings and Christians during that period.
In the second tomb, archaeologists found a plethora of valuable artifacts, including textile production tools, fine jewelry, and coins. One of the coins was struck in Jutland between 832 and 840 AD, and the others were Frankish coins struck during the reign of Charlemagne’s son Louis the Pious.
The discovery provides insight into the trade and cultural exchange between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. Dieinhoff believes that the coins in the second tomb were traded, while the book clasp was stolen during a raid.
The excavation of the Viking tombs has raised many questions about the lives of the women buried there. Dieinhoff notes that the textile production tools found in the second tomb suggest that the buried women were leaders in agricultural textile production. The bronze key found in the tomb symbolizes the central position of this woman as the bearer of the keys to the house and therefore the leader of the peasantry.
The discovery has also highlighted the importance of preserving the site and excavating the remaining graves before they are destroyed. Dieinhoff expressed his gratitude to the metal detector crew who discovered the site, noting that without them, the site would have likely been lost forever.
FAQs:
Q: What was discovered in the Viking tombs?
A: Archaeologists found coins, jewelry, and other treasures in the tombs, including a gilded oval brooch, fragments of a metal cauldron/plate, and a book clasp.
Q: Who are the two wealthy women buried in the tombs?
A: The identities of the women are unknown, but archaeologists believe they were members of the same Viking family.
Q: How did the book clasp come to be in the tomb?
A: The book clasp is believed to have originated from a Christian monastery in the British Isles before the ninth century. The Vikings adapted the clasp, adding a pin to the back, and it was used as a brooch.
Q: What is the significance of the textile production tools found in the second tomb?
A: The tools suggest that the buried women were leaders in agricultural textile production and were skilled in textile production.
Q: Why is it important to excavate the remaining graves?
A: There are at least 20 more graves at the site, and archaeologists believe they will be destroyed if they are not excavated soon.
Conclusion:
The discovery of the Viking tombs in Norway has provided a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two wealthy women and their cultural exchange with the Anglo-Saxons. The artifacts found in the tombs, including the gilded oval brooch and book clasp, are a testament to the advanced skills and knowledge of the Vikings. The importance of preserving the site and excavating the remaining graves cannot be overstated, as it provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the Vikings and their cultural practices.
