Spectacular Iron Age Weapon Sacrifice Unearthed in Denmark—Including a Rare Roman Helmet
Archaeologists in Denmark have uncovered a remarkable Iron Age weapon deposit near Hedensted, revealing more than a hundred spears, swords, and a unique chainmail
Medieval Helmet Fragment Discovered in Denmark
A remarkable piece of history has been discovered near the town of Lejre in eastern Denmark. Metal detectorists have unearthed an exceptionally rare helmet fragment dating back to just before the Early Middle Ages.
50 Viking Skeletons Discovered in Denmark
Archaeologists from Museum Odense have uncovered over 50 remarkably well-preserved Viking skeletons in Åsum, a village in southern Denmark
How Did Danish Vikings Become Christian European?
The lecture presents some of the most significant archaeological finds in Denmark from the transition from the pre-Christian period into the Early Middle Ages.
‘Little Sword’: Denmark’s oldest runes found on knife blade
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a small knife inscribed with the country’s oldest runic inscription, hirila, meaning ‘Little Sword’. Dating back nearly 2,000 years, it is now on display at Museum Odense.
Study Reveals Norway’s Viking Society Was Far More Violent than Denmark’s
It turns out that Norway’s Viking Age was much more violent.
Oldest Odin Inscription Discovered in Danish Gold
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed the oldest known inscription of Norse god Odin on a gold bracteate from the Vindelev find. This remarkable find pushes the origins of Norse mythology back to the 4th century, 150 years earlier than previously believed, and could reshape our understanding of ancient runic inscriptions.
‘The Viking Sorceress’ opens at the National Museum of Denmark
‘The Viking Sorceress’ exhibition has opened at The National Museum of Denmark. Showcasing women in the Viking Age, this exhibition will likely be one of the highlights for medievalists this summer.
Rare Medieval Gold Ring discovered in Denmark
A metal detector exploring an area in southwest Denmark has discovered an early medieval gold ring. Experts believe it also reveals the existence of an elite family with connections to the Merovingians.
How to kill a God: Christians against Pagans in the Middle Ages
To bring new lands under Roman Catholicism, the old pagan faiths had to be destroyed. Here is how this was done on the island of Rügen in the twelfth century.
Runestones reveal story of Viking Queen
Archaeologists have used 3D scanning to investigate inscriptions carved on two groups of runestones, in Denmark revealing that four stones were likely made in dedication to a powerful Viking Queen from the tenth century.
Glass windows could be found in Viking-Age Denmark and Sweden, study finds
New research has revealed that the Vikings had windows with glass panes as early as the 9th century. While glazed windows are associated with medieval churches and castles, we have plenty of examples from Viking-age Denmark and Sweden.
The Plague in Denmark: New research on its spread during the Middle Ages
Scientists who study the origins and evolution of the plague have examined hundreds of medieval human teeth from Denmark, seeking to address longstanding questions about its arrival, persistence and spread within Scandinavia.
Harald Hardrada: Prelude to Invasion
With Norway under his control, King Harald looks to seize the throne of another kingdom.
Unique Danish axe was a weapon for war, study finds
In the collections of the National Museum of Denmark sits a 13th-century axe with unusual features. A new study suggests that it was an attempt to create a versatile medieval weapon.
Viking beadmakers’ secrets revealed in new study
The Viking Age bead makers were more advanced than previously believed. New research shows that craftsmen in Denmark around the year 700 used sophisticated and sustainable methods when they gave old Roman glass mosaics new life as glass beads.
Elite Vikings wore beaver furs, study finds
Beaver fur was a symbol of wealth and an important trade item in 10th-century Denmark, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.
11th-century Gold earring discovered in Denmark
A metal detector in Denmark has discovered a unique piece of gold jewellery from the 11th century that has never been seen before in Scandinavia. It was possibly donated personally by the emperor of Byzantium to a Viking leader.
Looking for Viking ship burials with a 17th-century illustration
New detailed surveys of Viking age ship settings in Hjarnø, Denmark have been completed by archaeologists examining the origins and makeup of the Kalvestene grave field, a renowned site in Scandinavian folklore.
Medieval Scandinavia: The Downfall of the Kalmar Union
For the ninth and last article in the series, Beñat Elortza Larrea explores the internal tensions and conflicts that caused the dissolution of the Kalmar Union.
The King and his brother in a shrine – a story of textiles
King Canute’s shrine no longer holds the precious silk textiles placed in it at his enshrinement. Instead it is likely that the textiles from his brother’s shrine at some point have been moved to King Canute’s shrine.
Harald Bluetooth and the Ring-Castle at Trelleborg
Trelleborg and the other ring-castles constructed by Harald Bluetooth stand out in history as products of a developing age of state formation, and the rising importance of military power.
Medieval Scandinavia: The Rise and Fall of the Danish Kingdom
The history of Denmark between the late tenth and early fourteenth centuries.
The economy of Norwegian towns c. 1250-1350
The aim of this thesis is to explain why differences arose between Norwegian, Danish and English towns with regard to their economic functions