12.1 Major Viking Age archaeological sites
8 min read•august 21, 2024
Viking Age archaeological sites offer a window into Norse culture, trade, and society from the 8th to 11th centuries. These sites, spanning Scandinavia, the British Isles, and North America, reveal the extent of Viking exploration and settlement.
From urban centers like and to rural settlements like , these sites provide crucial evidence of daily life, technological advancements, and cultural interactions. Ship burials, religious sites, and runestones further illuminate Viking beliefs and practices.
Overview of Viking Age sites
- Viking Age archaeological sites provide crucial insights into Norse culture, trade networks, and societal structures from the 8th to 11th centuries
- These sites span across Scandinavia, the British Isles, and parts of North America, showcasing the extensive reach of Viking exploration and settlement
- Archaeological evidence from these locations helps reconstruct Viking daily life, technological advancements, and interactions with other cultures
Urban centers and trading posts
Birka in Sweden
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Hus stig birka | new house in Middle Ages style, Birka, Swed… | Udo Schröter | Flickr View original
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A reconstruction of a Viking era house at Birka | Jukka | Flickr View original
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Viking boats at Birka on Björkö in Lake Mälaren | Olympus di… | Flickr View original
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Hus stig birka | new house in Middle Ages style, Birka, Swed… | Udo Schröter | Flickr View original
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A reconstruction of a Viking era house at Birka | Jukka | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for Birka in Sweden
Hus stig birka | new house in Middle Ages style, Birka, Swed… | Udo Schröter | Flickr View original
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A reconstruction of a Viking era house at Birka | Jukka | Flickr View original
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Viking boats at Birka on Björkö in Lake Mälaren | Olympus di… | Flickr View original
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Hus stig birka | new house in Middle Ages style, Birka, Swed… | Udo Schröter | Flickr View original
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A reconstruction of a Viking era house at Birka | Jukka | Flickr View original
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- Thriving trade hub on Lake Mälaren, active from the 8th to 10th centuries
- Excavations revealed extensive evidence of long-distance trade (Arabic coins, Byzantine silks)
- Complex urban layout with a fortified area, harbor, and distinct craft production zones
- Birka's cemetery provides insights into Viking burial practices and social stratification
Hedeby in Denmark
- Major Viking Age port town located near modern-day Schleswig
- Served as a crucial link between Scandinavia and continental Europe
- Archaeological findings include:
- Well-preserved harbor structures
- Diverse range of imported goods (pottery, glassware)
- Evidence of specialized craft production (metalworking, amber processing)
- Hedeby's semicircular rampart exemplifies Viking defensive architecture
Kaupang in Norway
- Earliest known urban settlement in Norway, established in the early 8th century
- Excavations uncovered:
- Extensive evidence of international trade (coins, jewelry)
- Workshops for various crafts (blacksmithing, glass bead production)
- Remnants of wooden buildings and plot divisions
- 's decline in the 10th century provides insights into shifting trade patterns
Fortifications and defensive structures
Trelleborg fortresses
- Circular fortresses built during the reign of Harald Bluetooth in the late 10th century
- Characterized by their distinctive geometric design and precise measurements
- Key features include:
- Four gates aligned with cardinal directions
- Inner courtyard divided into four quarters
- Outer ramparts made of earth and timber
- fortresses demonstrate advanced Viking engineering and military organization
Danevirke border wall
- Massive defensive system in southern Jutland, constructed from the 6th to 12th centuries
- Stretches over 30 kilometers, incorporating natural barriers and artificial structures
- Archaeological investigations reveal:
- Multiple construction phases and techniques
- Use of timber, earth, and stone in different sections
- Evidence of maintenance and expansion over centuries
- 's scale highlights the organizational capabilities of Viking Age societies
Rural settlements and farmsteads
Borg in Lofoten
- Large chieftain's farm in northern Norway, occupied from the 6th to 10th centuries
- Excavations uncovered:
- Remains of a 83-meter long longhouse, one of the largest known from the Viking Age
- Evidence of high-status activities (imported goods, fine metalwork)
- Agricultural implements and animal bones indicating a mixed farming economy
- Borg provides insights into social hierarchy and daily life in Viking Age rural communities
Jarlshof in Shetland
- Multi-period site with Viking Age occupation from the 9th to 14th centuries
- Archaeological remains include:
- Several Norse longhouses built over earlier Pictish structures
- Evidence of metalworking and other craft activities
- Artifacts showing a blend of Norse and native Pictish influences
- Jarlshof demonstrates the process of Viking settlement and cultural interaction in the North Atlantic
Ship burials and grave sites
Oseberg ship burial
- Spectacular 9th-century burial discovered in Norway in 1903
- Contains a well-preserved Viking ship and a wealth of grave goods, including:
- Intricately carved wooden objects (sledges, animal head posts)
- Textiles and tapestries providing insights into Viking Age clothing and art
- Two female skeletons, sparking debates about Viking women's roles in society
- The Oseberg find revolutionized understanding of Viking craftsmanship and burial practices
Gokstad ship burial
- 9th-century ship burial found in Norway, excavated in 1880
- Key features include:
- A 23-meter long ship, demonstrating advanced shipbuilding techniques
- Diverse grave goods (beds, sleds, gaming boards)
- Skeletal remains of a man in his 60s, likely a chieftain or king
- The Gokstad ship provides valuable information on Viking naval technology and elite burial customs
Lindholm Høje cemetery
- Large Viking Age burial ground in Denmark with over 700 graves
- Excavations revealed:
- A mix of cremation and inhumation burials
- Stone ship settings marking some graves
- Artifacts spanning from the late Iron Age to the Viking Age
- offers insights into changing burial practices and beliefs over time
Religious and ritual sites
Uppåkra temple
- Iron Age and Viking Age cultic site in southern Sweden
- Archaeological findings include:
- Remains of a large wooden building with evidence of repeated reconstruction
- Ritual deposits of weapons and jewelry
- Unique artifacts like a decorated glass bowl and a bronze figure
- provides rare evidence of pre-Christian Norse religious practices
Gamla Uppsala
- Major religious and political center in Sweden from the 6th to 11th centuries
- Key features include:
- Large burial mounds associated with legendary Swedish kings
- Remains of a wooden temple, later replaced by a Christian church
- Evidence of large-scale feasting and ritual activities
- demonstrates the intertwining of political power and religious authority in Viking society
Viking Age workshops
Ribe craftsman quarter
- Early Viking Age urban settlement in Denmark with extensive evidence of craft production
- Archaeological excavations uncovered:
- Well-preserved workshop areas for various crafts (glassmaking, metalworking)
- Evidence of standardized plot divisions and urban planning
- Artifacts showing long-distance trade connections
- provides insights into the development of specialized craft production in Viking towns
Coppergate in York
- Viking Age industrial area in the city of York, England
- Excavations revealed:
- Well-preserved wooden buildings and associated workshops
- Evidence of diverse craft activities (woodworking, leatherworking, textile production)
- Artifacts demonstrating the fusion of Viking and Anglo-Saxon cultures
- exemplifies Viking settlement and economic activity in conquered territories
Overseas settlements
L'Anse aux Meadows in North America
- Norse settlement in Newfoundland, Canada, dating to around 1000 CE
- Archaeological evidence includes:
- Remains of Norse-style turf buildings
- Artifacts of Norse origin (bronze cloak pin, bone needle)
- Evidence of iron smelting and woodworking
- provides concrete proof of Viking exploration of North America
Dublin in Ireland
- Viking settlement established in the 9th century, becoming a major urban center
- Excavations uncovered:
- Remains of Viking Age houses and defensive structures
- Evidence of craft production and international trade
- Artifacts showing the blending of Norse and Irish cultures
- exemplifies the process of Viking urbanization and cultural interaction in the British Isles
Treasure hoards and caches
Cuerdale hoard
- Large silver hoard discovered in Lancashire, England, dating to the early 10th century
- Contents include:
- Over 7,000 silver coins from various regions (Anglo-Saxon, Frankish, Islamic)
- Silver ingots and jewelry
- Evidence of hack-silver used as a form of currency
- The provides insights into Viking economic systems and international connections
Hoen hoard
- Rich gold and jewelry hoard found in Norway, dating to the 9th century
- Notable items include:
- Elaborate gold jewelry showing diverse cultural influences
- A unique Frankish sword pommel
- Byzantine coins and a gold solidus of Louis the Pious
- The demonstrates the wealth and far-reaching connections of Viking elites
Runestones and monuments
Jelling stones
- Two large runestones in Jelling, Denmark, erected in the 10th century
- Inscriptions commemorate:
- King Gorm's establishment of the Danish kingdom
- Harald Bluetooth's conversion of the Danes to Christianity
- The provide crucial evidence for the formation of the Danish state and religious change
Rök runestone
- Elaborate runestone in Östergötland, Sweden, dating to the early 9th century
- Features:
- Longest known runic inscription from the Viking Age
- Complex text referencing Norse mythology and historical events
- Demonstrates sophisticated literary traditions in Viking society
- The offers insights into Viking Age literacy, memory, and cultural beliefs
Underwater archaeology
Skuldelev ships
- Five Viking ships discovered in Roskilde Fjord, Denmark
- The ships represent different types:
- Long-distance trading vessels
- Warships
- Coastal traders
- Analysis of the has greatly enhanced understanding of Viking shipbuilding techniques and maritime activities
Roskilde harbor
- Underwater excavations in revealed:
- Remains of multiple Viking Age ships and boats
- Evidence of harbor structures and maritime activities
- Insights into Viking Age seafaring and trade networks
- The Roskilde harbor finds complement the Skuldelev ships in reconstructing Viking maritime culture
Methods of Viking Age excavation
Stratigraphy in urban sites
- Crucial for understanding the chronological development of Viking towns
- Involves careful documentation of soil layers and their contents
- Challenges in Viking Age urban sites include:
- Complex, compressed due to intensive occupation
- Disturbance from later medieval and modern activities
- Need for careful recording of artifact positions within layers
Geophysical surveys
- Non-invasive techniques used to identify subsurface archaeological features
- Common methods in Viking Age archaeology include:
- Magnetometry to detect buried structures and hearths
- Ground-penetrating radar for mapping subsurface features
- Resistivity surveys to identify buried walls and ditches
- help guide excavation strategies and provide broader site context
Dendrochronology for dating
- Tree-ring dating method crucial for precise chronology in Viking Age archaeology
- Applications in Viking contexts include:
- Dating wooden structures in waterlogged urban sites
- Establishing construction dates for ships and boats
- Creating regional chronologies for climate and environmental studies
- has revolutionized understanding of Viking Age chronology and trade networks
Preservation and site management
In situ conservation
- Approach to preserving archaeological remains in their original location
- Challenges in Viking Age sites include:
- Protecting organic materials (wood, textiles) from decay
- Managing visitor access while minimizing site damage
- Balancing preservation needs with ongoing research access
- Examples of include protective structures over excavated areas at Birka and Hedeby
Museum displays vs on-site presentation
- Different approaches to presenting Viking Age archaeological finds
- Museum displays offer:
- Controlled environment for artifact preservation
- Opportunity for detailed interpretation and contextualization
- Access to a wider audience
- On-site presentation provides:
- Direct connection between artifacts and their original context
- Enhanced visitor experience of the archaeological landscape
- Challenges in protecting exposed remains from weathering and vandalism
- Many Viking Age sites employ a combination of both approaches to maximize public engagement and preservation
Key Terms to Review (26)
Anne Stine Ingstad: Anne Stine Ingstad was a prominent Norwegian archaeologist known for her groundbreaking discoveries related to Viking exploration in North America, particularly the site at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. Her work significantly enhanced our understanding of Viking maritime technology, craftsmanship in woodworking, textile arts, and the broader context of Viking Age archaeological sites across the world.
Birka: Birka was a significant Viking Age trading hub located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, Sweden, known for its role as one of the earliest urban settlements in Scandinavia. This site not only served as a bustling marketplace for commerce but also played a key part in connecting various maritime trade routes and fostering cultural exchange during the Viking Age.
Borg: A borg is a term used to describe a fortified settlement or stronghold established by the Vikings, often serving as a center for trade, defense, and administration. These sites were strategically located and designed to protect against invasions while promoting commerce and social interaction among different groups. Borgs played a significant role in the expansion of Viking influence across Europe and were key components of their social and economic structures.
Coppergate: Coppergate is an archaeological site located in York, England, known for its significant Viking Age discoveries. It provides vital insights into the daily life, trade, and craftsmanship of the Vikings who settled in York, highlighting the city's role as a thriving urban center during the Viking Age.
Cuerdale Hoard: The Cuerdale Hoard is a significant archaeological find of Viking Age silver, discovered in Cuerdale, Scotland, in the 19th century. This hoard represents a rich collection of precious metal objects and coins that reveal the economic practices, trade networks, and cultural exchanges of the Viking Age, linking them to various commodities and goods circulated during this period.
Danevirke: Danevirke is a series of fortifications that were built in the early Middle Ages in what is now Denmark. It was primarily constructed as a defensive structure to protect against invasions from various groups, particularly the Vikings, and it played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region during the Viking Age. The fortifications showcased the advanced engineering skills of the time and served as a testament to the military strategies employed by the Danes.
Dendrochronology: Dendrochronology is the scientific method of dating tree rings to determine the chronological sequence of events in the past. This technique not only helps in dating wooden artifacts and structures but also provides valuable insights into environmental conditions, growth patterns, and historical timelines relevant to various cultures, including those from the Viking Age.
Dublin: Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and a significant site during the Viking Age, serving as a major hub for Norse colonization and trade. The city was established as a fortified settlement by the Vikings around the late 9th century and became a focal point for maritime trade routes connecting Scandinavia with the British Isles and beyond.
Gamla uppsala: Gamla Uppsala is an ancient site located in Sweden that was once the political and religious center of the early Scandinavian kingdoms, particularly during the Viking Age. It is known for its large burial mounds and as a significant cult site, believed to have housed important temples dedicated to Norse deities, connecting it deeply to the spiritual and cultural practices of the time.
Geophysical surveys: Geophysical surveys are non-invasive methods used in archaeology to detect and map subsurface features and anomalies, providing valuable information about archaeological sites without the need for excavation. By utilizing various techniques such as ground-penetrating radar, magnetic surveys, and electrical resistivity, geophysical surveys help archaeologists to identify areas of interest and prioritize excavation efforts. This method is particularly significant for locating features related to past human activities, such as structures, burial sites, and artifacts, all of which are crucial for understanding historical contexts.
Gokstad Ship Burial: The Gokstad Ship Burial is a significant archaeological site in Norway, discovered in 1880, where a Viking ship was buried alongside various grave goods, including weapons and household items. This burial demonstrates the cultural practices of the Viking Age, particularly in how the elite were honored in death, reflecting their status and the importance of maritime culture, feasting customs, and craftsmanship.
Hedeby: Hedeby was a significant Viking Age trading settlement located at the southern end of the Jutland peninsula in present-day Denmark. It served as a vital hub for commerce and cultural exchange during the Viking Age, connecting various trade routes and facilitating interactions between different cultures.
Hoen Hoard: The Hoen Hoard is a significant archaeological find from the Viking Age, discovered in Norway, consisting of various metal artifacts, including coins and jewelry. This hoard provides insight into the economic activities and trade networks of the Vikings, showcasing their connections with other cultures and their use of commodities and goods in everyday life.
In situ conservation: In situ conservation refers to the practice of preserving and protecting archaeological sites in their original location, allowing for the study and understanding of cultural heritage in its natural context. This approach prioritizes the integrity of the site, maintaining its original relationship with the surrounding environment, which is crucial for comprehending the historical significance of the findings.
Jelling Stones: The Jelling Stones are two significant rune stones located in Denmark, erected by King Gorm the Old and his son Harald Bluetooth in the 10th century. These stones are considered monumental in Viking history as they mark the transition from paganism to Christianity and represent the consolidation of power in the early Danish kingdom.
Kaupang: Kaupang refers to an early Viking Age trading settlement or marketplace that served as a hub for commerce, cultural exchange, and social interaction among various groups. These sites were crucial for the Vikings, as they connected their homelands to broader trade networks, facilitated long-distance trade routes, and contributed to the development of towns and marketplaces, shaping the economic landscape of the Viking Age.
L'anse aux Meadows: L'anse aux Meadows is an archaeological site located on the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada, recognized as the first known Viking settlement in North America, dating to around 1000 AD. This site provides crucial evidence of Norse exploration and colonization beyond Greenland and is pivotal for understanding Viking Age activities in the New World.
Lindholm høje: Lindholm Høje is a significant archaeological site located near Aalborg, Denmark, known for its large burial mounds and rich Viking Age history. This site provides vital insights into Viking burial practices and social structures, showcasing the cultural importance of feasting and hospitality within the Viking community as it reflects their beliefs in the afterlife.
Oseberg ship burial: The Oseberg ship burial is a famous Viking Age grave site discovered in Norway, dating back to around 834 AD, where an intricately designed ship was used as a burial vessel for elite individuals. This site is significant as it offers deep insights into Viking burial practices, social hierarchy, and material culture, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era and shedding light on gender roles and artistic expression.
Ribe: A ribe refers to a significant Viking Age settlement and trading site, primarily recognized for its role as a marketplace and urban center. These locations were strategically situated along waterways, facilitating trade and commerce, and played a vital role in connecting various long-distance trade routes. Ribe, in particular, is considered one of the earliest towns in Scandinavia, providing key insights into urbanization during the Viking Age.
Rök runestone: The rök runestone is a 9th-century stone monument located in Sweden, notable for its extensive runic inscriptions that are considered the longest known runic text. It serves as a significant artifact that sheds light on Viking Age culture, language, and beliefs. The inscriptions on the stone reference Norse mythology, commemorate individuals, and even include elements of what could be interpreted as a runic calendar, linking it to various seasonal and agricultural cycles.
Roskilde Harbor: Roskilde Harbor is a significant archaeological site located in Denmark, known for its remarkable finds related to Viking shipbuilding and maritime culture. The harbor was once a bustling trade center during the Viking Age and has yielded numerous artifacts, including well-preserved Viking ships that shed light on the naval capabilities and trade networks of the Vikings. Its strategic position made it an essential hub for Viking explorers and traders traveling across Europe and beyond.
Skuldelev ships: Skuldelev ships are a group of five Viking ships that were discovered in the Skuldelev area of Denmark, dating back to the 11th century. These vessels represent a significant archaeological find as they provide insight into Viking shipbuilding techniques and maritime practices, reflecting the importance of seafaring in Viking culture.
Stratigraphy: Stratigraphy is the branch of geology concerned with the description and interpretation of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification). This concept is crucial in archaeology as it helps to establish the chronological sequence of artifacts and features at a site, revealing patterns of human activity over time. In the context of cultural sites and religious structures, stratigraphy allows archaeologists to understand how these places were constructed, modified, or abandoned through different periods, including the transition from pagan beliefs to Christianity.
Trelleborg: A Trelleborg is a type of circular fortress constructed during the Viking Age, characterized by a circular layout and a defensive wooden palisade. These fortifications served both military and administrative functions and played a key role in the organization of Viking societies, connecting to significant Viking homelands and showcasing advancements in fortification techniques during this period.
Uppåkra: Uppåkra is a significant archaeological site located in southern Sweden, recognized as one of the largest and most important Iron Age settlements in Scandinavia. This site provides key insights into trade networks, cultural practices, and religious activities during the Viking Age, showcasing its role as a marketplace, cult site, and major urban center in the region.