Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — A recent study has uncovered new insights into the harsh conditions of Viking life, based on the analysis of human skulls. Researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden published their findings in the journal BDJ Open, revealing a range of health issues suffered by Viking-era individuals.
Using advanced X-ray techniques, including CT scans, researchers examined the teeth and skulls of individuals who lived during the Viking Age. The remains, discovered in Varnhem, Sweden, belonged to an early Christian community dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries.
Dental specialists conducting the study found that all 15 examined skeletons displayed various ailments, with some showing signs of pathological bone growth. Several skulls exhibited evidence of sinus and ear infections, while others revealed cases of osteoarthritis and severe dental diseases.
These conditions were not solely attributed to old age, as some individuals had died between the ages of 20 and 60.
Lead researcher Carolina Bertilsson, a dentist and assistant researcher at the University of Gothenburg, stated that her team discovered numerous indications of disease among those buried in Varnhem, though the exact causes remain unknown.
“Although we cannot examine soft tissue damage since it no longer exists, we can identify traces left on skeletal structures,” Bertilsson explained, as reported by Kumparan.
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The study has provided a deeper understanding of the health and well-being of Viking-era people. “At that time, they had no access to medical treatment or pain relief as we do today. If an individual suffered from an infection, it could persist for a long time,” she added.
Viking
The Viking era began around 700 AD in Scandinavia, encompassing present-day Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. According to Visit Sweden, Viking warriors expanded their territories across numerous countries, including England, Spain, Ukraine, and Russia. Their legacy remains evident today, as surnames ending in “-son” can be traced back to the Vikings’ naming convention, meaning “son of.”
“Many modern archaeological methods are invasive, requiring the removal of bones or other tissues for analysis. With this approach, we preserve the remains while still gathering a wealth of information,” Bertilsson noted.
This study sheds light on the difficult living conditions of the Vikings and underscores the medical hardships they endured, providing a more comprehensive picture of their daily struggles and overall health.
(Raidi/Agung)
