Janice R. Andrews
A significant Viking treasure, initially mistaken for old wires, has been uncovered in the mountains of Norway, revealing four silver bracelets believed to date back to the 9th century AD. The discovery offers new insights into Viking life and history.
Discovery Details
The find took place on a farm near Årdal, northwest of Oslo, where archaeologists were called to inspect the site before farmer Tårn Sigve Schmidt began constructing a new road for his tractor. Beneath the floorboards of what was once likely a Viking-era house, the team, led by archaeologist Ola Tengesdal Lygre, unearthed the ancient silver bracelets, all decorated differently.
“At first, I thought it was some twisted copper wires,” Lygre explained. “But when I saw they were silver, I knew we had found something exciting.”
The discovery points to a former large and powerful Viking farm, which controlled access to a fjord and was home to multiple houses and animal shelters. Other artifacts like soapstone pots, knife blades, and whetstones were also uncovered.
Historical Importance of the Find
The Viking Age, spanning from 800 AD to 1050 AD, was a time of unrest, and experts suggest that the treasure might have been hidden during a raid or attack. The bracelets remained undisturbed in their original location, a rare occurrence that allows archaeologists to gain deeper insights into Viking society and customs.
“This is the biggest find of my career,” said Volker Demuth, project manager at the Archaeological Museum of Stavanger. “Finding these objects exactly where they were placed is unique and offers new perspectives on life in the Viking Age.”
The Farm’s Historical Role
Further investigation of the farm revealed its strategic importance, controlling entry to a fjord. Alongside the silver, archaeologists discovered everyday Viking items like knife blades and sharpening stones. The bracelets, however, are the standout find, adding to the historical significance of the site.
The silver bracelets, believed to be from the 9th century, were transported to the Archaeological Museum, where experts will analyze the soil and determine if the treasure was wrapped in cloth when buried.
Similar Finds and Future Exploration
The bracelets are similar to necklaces found in Hjelmeland in 1769, prompting speculation about a connection between the two discoveries. While the archaeologists have not yet uncovered additional treasures, they plan to extend their search to find more artifacts hidden in the region.
During the Viking Age, silver was highly valued and traded across regions. Since Norway had no silver mines at the time, the bracelets likely came from foreign trade or were obtained during raids.
“This discovery is exceptional,” said Ole Madsen, director of the Archaeological Museum. “It provides unique knowledge of Norway’s Viking history, and we will display the bracelets as soon as they are preserved.”
This remarkable find highlights the enduring mystery of Viking treasures and the potential for further discoveries. Stay updated with more news and historical insights on BargainMama.com.
