Archaeologists in Asum, Denmark, have uncovered over 50 remarkable Viking graves, shedding new light on Scandinavian daily life and trade networks. Conducted by the Odense Museum over the past six months, the excavation revealed well-preserved skeletons buried alongside artifacts such as knives, jewelry, and crystals.
Michael Borre Lundo, an archaeologist and museum inspector from Odense Museum, stated, "Finding so many well-preserved skeletons at once is truly unusual, providing extraordinary opportunities for various scientific analyses that can reveal insights into the health, dietary habits, and origins of the buried individuals." He added that the analyses might even determine if the Vikings were related, a significant aspect not previously explored in similar graves.
The graves and skeletons date back to the 9th century, a period when Gorm and Thyra ruled in Jelling, Denmark. Among the most unusual discoveries is a woman buried with what appears to be remnants of a Viking chariot, indicating her high status in society, evidenced by artifacts ranging from a finely crafted iron knife to a glass bead necklace.
Other significant finds include a three-lobed bronze dress buckle and a piece of rock crystal, likely imported from a distant location like Norway. Lundo noted, "The numerous graves in Asum contain various objects that indicate the buried Vikings were connected to the international trade networks that developed during the Viking Age." The skeletons have been stored in cardboard boxes at the Odense Museum for drying before further examination.