Archaeologists in Norway have unearthed a remarkable Viking-era treasure that has remained untouched for over a millennium. This incredible discovery, consisting of four silver bracelets, was found buried about 20 centimeters beneath the soil on a slope in Årdal, a village in southwestern Norway, according to a statement from the University of Stavanger.
Unearthing a Viking Legacy
The discovery occurred before the construction of a new tractor road, which led to the unearthing of the treasure. Initially, the archaeologists believed they had uncovered twisted copper wires commonly found on agricultural land. However, upon closer examination, it was revealed that these were not copper but silver bracelets, each adorned with intricate twisted patterns.
Ola Tengesdal Lygre, an engineer at the Museum of Archaeology at the University of Stavanger, described the moment of realization: “At first, we thought these were copper wires often seen on farmland, but upon closer inspection, we discovered that they were silver bracelets.”
Significance of the Find
The site where the bracelets were found is believed to have once been a large and influential Viking-era farm (793-1066 AD), which included several structures for both people and animals. The bracelets were discovered buried in a smaller structure, likely used to house enslaved individuals, according to LiveScience.
Volker Demuth, an archaeologist and project manager at the Museum of Archaeology, emphasized the rarity of this discovery: “This is a unique find because we rarely discover such objects exactly where they were originally placed. Typically, valuable items are found in plowed fields, removed from their original context. Since this silver treasure was not moved, it can provide us with entirely new insights into Viking life and society.”
Additional Artifacts and Insights
In addition to the silver bracelets, the team uncovered several other artifacts, including soapstone vessels, nails, knife blades, and sharpening stones. Evidence of a fire at the site suggests a period of significant turmoil during the Viking Age.
The presence of silver in Norway during this period is intriguing because the country did not have silver mines at the time. This implies that the silver for the bracelets likely came from abroad through trade, gifts, or even theft. The design of the bracelets resembles that of silver necklaces found in Hjelmeland in 1769, linking the artifacts to other known Viking treasures.
Future Research and Analysis
The soil block surrounding the bracelets was examined using X-ray techniques at the Museum of Archaeology. Researchers plan to conduct further soil sampling to determine if the bracelets were wrapped in cloth during burial. This additional analysis may yield further insights into the burial practices and societal norms of the Viking era.
Conclusion
The discovery of these Viking silver bracelets offers a rare glimpse into the past, revealing not only the craftsmanship of the era but also shedding light on the social and economic aspects of Viking society. As researchers continue to study the site and artifacts, this find is poised to enhance our understanding of Viking history and culture.
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