In a landmark discovery, archaeologists in Denmark have uncovered more than 50 well-preserved Viking skeletons at a substantial burial site. The site, located in the village of Asum, has yielded remarkable insights into Viking-era burial practices and trade routes.
The excavation, led by a team from Museum Odense, has been underway for the past six months and has revealed a wealth of artefacts and skeletal remains that date back to the 9th and 10th centuries. The site’s unique preservation conditions have allowed for an unparalleled opportunity to study these relics.
Exceptional Preservation Conditions
The skeletons were found in a state of exceptional preservation due to the unique soil composition and natural water presence in the area. Michael Borre Lundø, archaeologist and curator at Museum Odense, highlighted the rarity of such a find.
Lundø noted, “Often when we excavate bodies from the Viking age we are lucky if there are just a few teeth.” The significant chalk content in the soil and the natural waterlogged conditions have slowed down the decomposition, maintaining the integrity of the bones.
Unexpected Burial Ground Discovery
The archaeological team was initially called to the site for unrelated work to renovate the electrical grid, unaware of the burial ground beneath.
Lundø shared, “We had no clue that there was going to be a burial ground with Viking skeletons there.” The discovery has opened up the potential for extensive scientific analyses to understand more about Viking health, diet, and origins.
Significant Artefacts and Social Insights
The artefacts found with the skeletons offer valuable insights into the Vikings’ social status and trade connections.
Perhaps the most notable find was a woman buried in a wagon, believed to have been used as a coffin. She was interred with her finest belongings, including a glass bead necklace and a knife with a silver-threaded handle.
A nearby grave contained a three-lobed brooch, a red glass bead, an iron knife, and a piece of rock crystal. The crystal, likely imported from Norway, indicates the extensive trade networks during the Viking Age.
Implications of the Discovery
The burial site underscores Asum’s significance as an early urban centre, eventually contributing to the development of Odense, Denmark’s third-largest city.
The findings suggest that Asum was a key geographical point for trade and societal development during the Viking era.
Future Scientific Analyses
The skeletons and artefacts are currently being prepared for further examination in Copenhagen.
Scientists aim to extract DNA from the remains to uncover more details about the individuals buried at the site.
Lundø stated, “I think that will give us a much better idea of people’s ages, sex, what diseases they might have had and whether they were related.”
Ongoing Excavations
Excavations at the site are ongoing, with archaeologists continuing to uncover more artefacts and remains.
The continuing work promises to add further dimensions to our understanding of Viking society and its complexities.
This extraordinary discovery in Asum, Denmark offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of Viking life and their extensive trade networks. The well-preserved skeletons and artefacts provide invaluable insights into their burial practices and social structures.
The ongoing analyses and excavations hold the promise of uncovering even more information about these ancient peoples, contributing significantly to the field of archaeology.
