Buried Treasure: A Viking Sword Unearthed!
Recommended for History
Imagine unearthing a piece of history in your own backyard! That’s exactly what happened to Øyvind Tveitane Lovra, a Norwegian farmer. While clearing a field for planting, he stumbled upon something unexpected – a Viking sword!
This wasn’t just any sword. This one was a rare type, thought to be around 1,000 years old! Let’s delve deeper and discover the secrets this Viking relic holds.
For those unfamiliar with Vikings, they were fierce warriors and explorers who sailed the seas from Scandinavia (present-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark) between 793 and 1066 AD. They were known for their impressive longships, skilled craftsmanship, and adventurous spirit.
Now, imagine finding a piece of their world right under your feet! Let’s delve deeper and discover the secrets this Viking relic holds.
Key Facts
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A Sword from Another Time
- Lovra initially glanced at the object and dismissed it as just another piece of old iron. But a curious glint caught his eye, prompting him to take a closer look. This closer inspection revealed a remarkable truth – it wasn’t just any piece of metal, but a fragment of a centuries-old sword! Thankfully, Lovra recognized the historical significance of his find.
- Following Norwegian law, he promptly contacted local archaeologists to share his discovery. “This isn’t something you come across every day,” Lovra remarked, clearly struck by the sword’s historical significance. He couldn’t help but feel a connection to the past, his mind brimming with questions about the stories this sword could tell.
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Unearthing the Mystery
- Archaeologists confirmed the fragment was indeed an iron sword dating back to the Viking Age (793-1066 AD). But here’s the exciting part – the sword belonged to a very rare type called an Ulfberht sword. These swords were crafted by the Frankish Empire (present-day Germany and France) and were known for having inscriptions etched on their blades.
- “This is incredibly rare,” exclaimed Lars Søgaard Sørensen, a Rogaland archaeologist. He explained how swords were a symbol of high status in the Viking Age, and owning one was a privilege.
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A Well-Preserved Relic
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- Unearthing the fragment was a surprise for archaeologists! Though just 14.5 inches (37 centimeters) long, the sword remained in remarkably good condition. Viking Age swords often fell victim to rust thanks to the harsh soil conditions, but this one had a secret weapon – dense clay! This special type of soil acted like a shield, protecting the sword from the elements and allowing it to survive for centuries.
- X-ray scans revealed an even more exciting secret hidden beneath the metal’s surface – an inscription! This inscription was like a clue, hinting at the sword’s true identity: a genuine Ulfberht sword. Professor Sigmund Oehrl from the University of Stavanger explained the importance of these inscriptions.
- Unlike regular Viking swords, Ulfberht swords were special because they weren’t just any blades. They were actually signed by their makers – weapon makers from the Frankish Empire (present-day Germany and France) – who were famous for crafting exceptionally high-quality swords!
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A Link to the Past
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Archaeologists estimate that only around 170 Ulfberht swords exist across all of Europe, with a mere 45 unearthed in Norway. This particular sword is especially fascinating because it was likely made between 900 and 1050 AD, placing it squarely in the late Viking Age (roughly 800 to 1066 AD).
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Intrigued by the discovery, Lovra ponders a connection to local folklore. He recalls stories about Vikings visiting his family’s farm, “Lovra,” and showering the lady of the house with gifts, even treasures from Ireland. Could this sword be a remnant of one such visit from the past?
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Reflection: A Window into the Viking World
The discovery of this Viking sword is a thrilling reminder of the rich history buried beneath our feet. It’s a tangible link to the Viking Age, offering a glimpse into the lives and customs of these fierce warriors and explorers.
Further study of the sword may reveal even more secrets about its origin and journey through time.
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- Diver finds ancient 900-year-old crusader sword
Watch a video
“Meet the Vikings” by National Geographic.
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