Archaeologists discover 1,200-year-old Viking swords perched high

Categories: Nálezy nejenom s detektorem ve Skandinávii

During an archaeological excavation of a Viking cemetery near the Swedish town of Köping, two sword hilts were discovered protruding strangely from the ground. Subsequent research revealed that the hilts were part of Viking swords that had been driven into the ground above two graves, where they remained upright for 12 centuries.

The discovery was made "Viking graves with swords are very rare," explained Anton Seiler, an archaeologist at the Swedish National Museum. "Graves with swords in an upright position are even rarer," he added, noting that so far, the county's Västmanland, about 20 Viking swords have been discovered, but to discover two such intact and exceptionally seated swords is literally a sensation.

Because it would have taken great force to drive the weapons into the soil full of large stones covering the graves, the researchers do not believe that the blades were in this position by accident. Perhaps it was a gesture to help the deceased warriors on their way to Valhalla. It could also have been a way of remembering the dead. Family members visiting the graves may have touched the hilts of the swords, thus maintaining a close connection with the deceased," he added.

Experts hope the results of the osteological analysis will answer the question of whether the remains are male or female. Apart from swords, other interesting objects have also been discovered in the graves. For example, a parlour game, parts of a comb, bear claws... According to archaeologist Fredrik Larsson, the burial site is unusually located on the remains of a much older farm from the early Iron Age. Excavations have also revealed signs of iron production, making it a very interesting and interpretively difficult site for archaeologists.

The excavations are now in their second year along the E18, but have now been accelerated due to delays in completion. The artefacts found, including the two swords, will now be conserved and later displayed for public viewing.

Roman Nemec

Sources: thevikingherald.com, archaeology.com, arkeolegerna.com


The swords were kept in the soil between the stones covering the graves


the swords were carefully removed layer by layer


excavation


archaeologists working on the excavation

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