The field on the edge of the Danish village of Aasum harbored a secret over a thousand years old. During routine work, a burial ground from the Viking Age was discovered.
– Normally we are lucky if we find a few teeth, but here the skeletons are complete in their graves, says archaeologist Michael Borre Lundø.
Brooch from Gotland
The 50 skeletons – which are the remains of both children, men and women – are believed to be from the middle of the Viking Age in the 9th century. The Vikings that have been excavated were probably not warriors, but rather from an agricultural society, Borre Lundø believes.
– This is such a fantastic discovery because these skeletons are extremely well preserved. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before, at least not in a long time.
Archaeologists also unearthed brooches, necklace beads, knives and even a small shard of glass that may have served as an amulet.
– We have found a brooch from Gotland and whetstones to sharpen the knives with, says Michael Borre Lundø.
Vikings from Sweden
Now the archaeologists hope that DNA analyzes can provide answers as to whether the Vikings were related and where they came from. Several clues point to Sweden.
“Many of the objects came from far beyond Denmark’s borders, which sheds light on extensive Viking trade routes during the 9th century,” says Borre Lundø.
The objects are sent in boxes to the Museum Odense conservation laboratories for cleaning and analysis. Conservator Jannie Amsgaard Ebsen hopes that the soil may also contain other preserved organic material on the back of brooches or knife handles.
– We really hope to get an overall picture. Who were the people who lived out there? Who did they interact with? she says.
– It’s a bit like a puzzle, all the different puzzle pieces have to be put together.