Archaeologists found 50 skeletons of Danish Vikings in good condition

Archaeologists found 50 of Viking skeletons/Reuters

Danish archaeologists from the Odense Museum have discovered more than 50 exceptionally well-preserved Viking skeletons in the village of Osum, located east of Odense in southern Denmark, over the past six months.

These findings shed light on the daily life of the people who lived in this area during the 9th century. According to CBS News.

According to Michael Borre Lundo, an archaeologist and museum inspector at the Odense Museum, the artifacts discovered alongside the skeletons indicate that the Vikings were involved in extensive trade networks.

This discovery offers extraordinary opportunities for a wide range of scientific analyzes that could reveal more about the general health, diet and origins of those buried, Lundyo said. in the statement.

Several of the individuals buried at Osuma appear to have high status, as indicated by the elaborate grave goods found with them. Among the most notable discoveries is a woman buried in what appears to be the remains of a Viking cart, possibly one in which she traveled during her lifetime.

Archaeologists found 50 Viking skeletons

The woman was buried with many personal items, including an elaborate necklace of glass beads, a knife with a handle wrapped in silver wire, and an iron wrench. Interestingly, a small shard of glass, which may have been used as an amulet, was also found among her belongings. At the foot of her grave was a beautifully decorated wooden casket, although its contents are currently a mystery.

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The discovery of this burial also underlines the importance of Osum in the Viking Age. Archaeologists believe that this settlement played a central role in regional development and may have been crucial to the early formation of what would later become the city of Odense.

Archaeological excavations

The burial site, which covers approximately 2 thousand square meters on the southern edge of Osum, dates from 800-900 and includes both traditional burials and five cremation graves. Its size makes it one of the largest Viking burial sites found on the island of Funen.

The exceptional preservation of the skeletons led archaeologists to believe they could obtain DNA samples for scientific analysis. According to Borre Lundó, this could potentially reveal whether some of the buried Vikings were related to each other, something that had not been explored in previous grave discoveries.

Usually, when we dig up Viking graves, we're lucky if there are two teeth left in the grave, in addition to the things. But here we have fully preserved skeletons. The skeletons are so amazing, they are so well preserved – there are even five fingers and toes, and that opens up a whole range of possibilities for discovery, Lundo said.

These excavations were carried out as part of Energinet's preparation for the work. on the modernization of the local power grid. Thanks to their discoveries, archaeologists have gained new insight into the significance of Osum in the Viking Age, revealing its role as a key site in the early urbanization of the region that would later grow into Odense.