Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Archaeologists have uncovered a Viking burial site in eastern Denmark, revealing more than 50 remarkably well-preserved skeletons. This significant discovery came after a six-month excavation of a 6,500 square meter area in Asum, believed to date back to the 9th and 10th centuries.
The burial site, along with numerous artifacts, provides new insights into the Viking era, including evidence of their extensive trade networks. The Viking burial site contained skeletons buried alongside items believed to have originated from beyond Denmark’s borders.
According to Michael Borre Lundo, an archaeologist and curator at the museum, this suggests that the Vikings were frequent travelers, likely engaging in trade with distant regions. Lundo emphasized that finding such well-preserved remains from this period is extremely rare, stating, “When excavating Viking-era graves, we’re usually lucky to find a few teeth.”
One of the key factors contributing to the preservation of the skeletons is the unique soil composition in the area. The natural lime and water content in the ground helped slow the decomposition process, allowing the bones to remain intact for centuries.
Interestingly, the Viking burial site was discovered unexpectedly during a routine excavation for electrical infrastructure upgrades. Lundo noted that it’s uncommon to find so many well-preserved skeletons in a single location, making this a rare and invaluable discovery for researchers.
Among the many skeletons, one of the most significant finds was that of a woman buried in a Viking wagon, which served as her coffin.
She was laid to rest with her finest possessions, including a glass bead necklace, an iron key, and a knife with a silver-twisted handle. Additionally, a beautifully decorated wooden chest was found at her feet, though its contents remain unknown for now.
Other burials within the Viking burial site revealed artifacts such as bronze brooches, glass beads, iron knives, and a small crystal stone believed to have been imported from Norway. These findings, according to Lundo, reflect the Vikings’ connections to an expansive international trade network.
The Viking burial site is thought to be part of a significant geographical area that played a role in Denmark’s early urban development, eventually leading to the establishment of the city of Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city.
Further analysis is ongoing, and scientists in Copenhagen are preparing to extract DNA from the skeletal remains.
This process will provide more information about the people buried at the site, including their age, sex, and any diseases they may have suffered from. “This is going to be fascinating,” said Lundo. “We hope it will give us a clearer picture of their lives and health conditions.”
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The discovery of this Viking burial site offers a rare and valuable glimpse into the past, shedding light on Viking customs, trade, and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.
Researchers are eager to continue their investigation into this remarkable archaeological find, hoping to uncover even more secrets buried beneath Denmark’s soil.
(Ray)
