Archaeologists have unveiled extraordinary artifacts from Viking graves in southwestern Norway thanks to a serendipitous discovery by metal detector enthusiasts. The graves, located on the Skumsnes farm in Fitjar, date back to between 800 and 850 A.D. and offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy women buried there.
The discovery was made in the autumn of 2023 by members of the Bjørgvin Detector Club, who promptly reported their find to local authorities. Archaeologists from the University Museum of Bergen, led by Søren Diinhoff, began excavating the site shortly thereafter.
One grave contained fragments of jewelry, including gilded oval brooches and a metal dish from southern England or Ireland. Among the most intriguing finds was a book clasp, thought to have been taken from a Christian monastery in the Britannic Isles and repurposed into a brooch.
“We think the clasp could have come from a Bible in England or Ireland. It had been ripped off and brought back to Norway, where it eventually ended up as a woman’s brooch,” Diinhoff explained.
Metal detectorists stumble across 1200-year-old treasure, unusual Christian artifact in Viking graves https://t.co/gUUmWxBdxo
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 8, 2025
However, evidence suggests this grave was plundered, possibly during the Viking age. The scattered and deliberately damaged artifacts point to grave robbing, which was not uncommon during that time.
In stark contrast, the second grave yielded an array of well-preserved treasures, including tools for textile production, high-quality jewelry, and coins. The artifacts suggest that the woman buried there was a prominent figure in farm management, as symbolized by a bronze key found in her grave.
“The key symbolizes this woman’s central position. She was the leader of the farm household,” the report noted. A necklace made of 46 glass beads and 11 silver coins—some minted in Jutland and under the reign of Louis the Pious—was also discovered.
In western Norway, 9th-century A.D. graves of three women adorned with jewelry, including a gilded trefoil brooch (pictured), have been unearthed at a 20-person gravesite located near a large coastal Viking-era farm.https://t.co/CuyMIHe3cN pic.twitter.com/okLWV7WLhV
— Archaeology Magazine (@archaeologymag) January 3, 2025
The graves underscore the dynamic interaction between the Vikings and other cultures, with some artifacts likely traded and others looted during raids. Diinhoff highlighted the significance of such exchanges, explaining that while the coins in the second grave were probably obtained through trade, the book clasp was more likely a spoils of conquest.
In addition to these two graves, researchers partially analyzed a third grave containing a gilded brooch and glass beads. Historians suspect the deceased individuals were related, possibly part of the same Viking family.
The site includes at least 20 graves, and while not all have been excavated, there is a sense of urgency. Diinhoff expressed concerns about the graves’ vulnerability to erosion and other environmental factors, noting that the burial mounds are located just beneath the turf.
“We hope to excavate a few graves every year,” he said, adding that such efforts are crucial to preserving the historical record.
Diinhoff also credited the metal detectorists for their role in preserving this heritage. “Without them finding the site, we would not have known about it. These graves could have been lost in time.”
The discovery has provided invaluable insights into Viking life and their interactions with neighboring cultures, enriching our understanding of a pivotal era in European history.
