A top ten of the most amazing Viking age discoveries of 2024! Two of them are not really Viking, but they were too good not to belong to this top.
A very short summary of the finds discussed in the video:
- Toy from Seydisfjördur (Iceland): A small stone figurine, likely a child’s toy from 940–1000 C.E., was unearthed at a Viking farm site. The carving may depict a pig, bear, or dog, offering rare insights into children's lives during the Viking Age.
- Sword Pommel (Netherlands): A 10th-century Viking sword fragment was found near Witmarsum. Decorated in the Mammen style, the pommel reflects Frisia’s role as a Viking hub, highlighting cultural exchanges between Scandinavia and the British Isles.
- Odin Pendant (Denmark): A silver pendant, possibly depicting Odin, was discovered on Lolland. Rare solid silver jewelry like this suggests the wearer was wealthy and may indicate Lolland's significance as a trade or maritime center.
- Lidded Vessel (Scotland): A silver vessel from the Galloway Hoard, originating from Persia, was revealed through X-rays and laser cleaning. Its design features Zoroastrian symbols, indicating extensive Viking trade networks stretching to West Asia.
- Skeletons from Åsum (Denmark): Over 50 Viking skeletons were found near Odense, reflecting the importance of the site during Gorm the Old’s reign. Artifacts, including wagon burials and imported goods, showcase international trade and social hierarchies.
- Ship Burial (Norway): Rivets from a Viking ship burial at Jarlsberg Manor point to a large vessel, possibly linked to King Bjørn Farmann. The find adds to Norway’s ship burial discoveries, underscoring the area’s significance in Viking lore.
- Cemetery (Sweden): A vast Viking burial ground with ship burials, animal remains, and cremation pits was uncovered near Varberg. Artifacts, including an Arab coin, suggest the site was part of an active Viking settlement.
- Sámi Presence (Norway): Hearths and dwelling sites in central Norway provide physical evidence of Sámi activity during the Viking Age, highlighting close interactions between the Norse and Sámi cultures.
- Saga Skeleton (Norway): DNA analysis confirmed that a skeleton from Sverresborg Castle aligns with an account from the Sverris Saga, describing a body thrown into a well during a 12th-century raid. The man likely had blue eyes and light hair, linking him to southern Norway.
- The Hirila Knife: A knife discovered on the island of Fyn, Denmark, bears the oldest known runic inscription in the country, dating to around 150 AD—800 years before the famous Jelling Stones. The word "hirila," meaning "little sword" in Old Norse, was found under rust during cleaning. The knife was buried with brooches used to date the find. This inscription belongs to the elder futhark, with only about 350 known examples. It highlights early Scandinavian contact with the Roman Empire, where writing was a mark of status.

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Toy from Seydisfjördur
02:37 Sword pommel from the Netherlands
05:10 Odin-like figurine from Lolland
07:08 Lid vessel of the Galloway hoard
09:14 Skeletons of Asum village
11:47 Jarlsberg ship burial
14:58 Cemetery of Tvaaker Sweden
18:53 Norse-Saami connection
21:27 Skeleton from Sverris saga
25:32 Knife with runic inscription

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