Viking Burial Mound in Norway Confirmed as Man-Made Structure
Recent ground-penetrating radar surveys have confirmed that Karnilshaugen, a large mound in western Norway, is a man-made burial site, validating long-held archaeological theories.
New Discoveries About Viking Ship Burial in Norway
Archaeologists investigating the Viking ship grave at Myklebust in Nordfjordeid have unveiled remarkable new findings, offering fresh insights into one of Norway’s most significant burial mounds. The research suggests it might be the largest Viking ship ever found.
A Medieval King’s Speech on the Dangers of Drunkenness
One of its gripping moments in Sverris Saga recounts a speech Sverre delivered in 1186, addressing his followers on the dangers of overdrinking—a timeless warning wrapped in medieval drama.
Who Was the Man in the Well?
The bishop’s men plundered the king’s fortress. Then they threw a dead man into the well to poison it. Now we know more about the deceased.
Medieval DNA Reveals Skeleton’s Link to Norse Saga
A passage in the Sverris Saga, an 800-year-old Norse account, describes a military raid in 1197 during which a body was thrown into a well at castle in Norway. Now, a new study published in iScience has brought this tale to life, as researchers have used ancient DNA to corroborate the saga and uncover details about the so-called “Well-man.”
New Medieval Books: Olav Audunssøn
Sigrid Undset’s novel, also known in English as The Master of Hestviken, was written between 1925 and 1927 and played a significant role in earning her the Nobel Prize for Literature. The work is divided into four volumes: Vows, Providence, Crossroads, and Winter.
The Strange Medieval Sculptures of Nidaros Cathedral
By Nancy Bazilchuk Noblemen and women, in fancy clothing and pearls – but with dragon wings and tails. A laughing man with a…
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.
Viking Treasure Uncovered After 1,100 Years in Norway
Norwegian archaeologists have uncovered a significant Viking treasure buried more than 1,100 years ago in the southwest corner of the country. Four heavy silver bracelets were found hidden on a mountainside where a farm once existed.
The Medieval Law Code that United and Defined Norway
Discover how King Magnus VI’s 750-year-old Norwegian Code of the Realm united the kingdom and laid the foundation for Norway’s modern legal trust and identity
Viking-Age Sword Discovered in Norway
A Viking-Age sword, probably dating from the 10th or 11th century, has been discovered in southwest Norway. Uncovered by a farmer, the item could be a VLFBERHT sword.
The Mad Norse King
What happens when the mental health of a medieval King of Norway declines into madness? The story of Sigurðr the Crusader, who reigned for over 25 years, provides a fascinating account of mental illness from the 12th century.
New Medieval Books: The Borgarthing Law and the Eidsivathing Law
Translations of two law codes that were made in eastern Norway during the fourteenth century. These law codes focus on rules related to the Christian Church, ranging from baptisms to the paying of tithes.
Ship burial discovered in Norway predates Viking Age
A burial mound explored last June in Norway holds the remains of a ship that predates the Viking age. Archaeologists believe this is Scandinavia’s oldest known ship burial.
Medieval and Viking-Age artifacts discovered in Norway
A very rare Byzantine coin is among dozens of medieval and Viking-era objects discovered in eastern Norway last year. Officials with Innlandet County Municipality have released details of items found by metal detectorists, including buckles, seals and pieces from swords.
6th-century treasure hoard discovered in Norway
“This is the find of the century in Norway. Discovering such a significant amount of gold at once is extremely rare.”
Medieval gaming piece with runic inscription found in Norway
An excavation in Trondheim led to the discovery of a soapstone gaming piece bearing a runic inscription.
Harald Hardrada: The Battle of Stamford Bridge
The fight for the crown of England draws Harald into one last battle.
Harald Hardrada: Prelude to Invasion
With Norway under his control, King Harald looks to seize the throne of another kingdom.
Viking Age silver treasure discovered in Norway
“This is quite an exceptional find. Finding this big a treasure from the Viking Age hasn’t happened in Norway for a long time.”
Harald Hardrada: King of Norway
Coming back to Norway meant that Harald Hardrada had two relatives to deal with – Sweyn and Magnus. It would make for an interesting path to the Norwegian throne.
New study reveals height of medieval Norwegians
How tall were people in the Middle Ages? A new study from the University of Oslo has examined the height of 227 people who lived in medieval Norway, revealing that elite members of that society tended to be taller and had stronger bones.
Harald Hardrada: Going Back to Norway
While Harald Hardrada was gaining fame and fortune in Byzantium, much was changing in Norway and Scandinavia.
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.