The Vikings

In the late 19^th- and early 20^th-centuries, Norwegian farmers discovered Viking burial mounds with entire ships underneath.  The remains were carefully extracted and reassembled, becoming the most comprehensive and intact discoveries of the Scandinavian Viking period.

The ships were once actively used for trading, battles or local royal voyages, but subsequently used to bury their rich owners and carry them into the afterlife.  The skeletons of one man (a chieftain) and two women (probably an elite, elderly woman and her slave girl) were also discovered, along with various artifacts like cookware and tools.  In one of the burial mounds, an entire chariot and three sledges were also found.

It’s almost impossible to imagine the ships were constructed in the 9^th century and used to sail ferocious seas and wage war with neighbors.  The craftsmanship is breathtaking. 

Th oar holes.

Matching Viking ship hats.