Two separate fragments were perfect for each other.
Last year, an amateur archaeologist from Norway made an important discovery. In fact, it was half of the discovery – a piece of metal, the purpose of which remains unclear, which was found on a farm on the north coast of the country.
This spring, another piece of the puzzle was found. Another amateur archaeologist, a friend of the first, found a massive, ornate and intricate sword, according to IFL Science.
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It turned out that the two finds are part of the same discovery. Together in 1200 years, the two fragments formed an unusual and beautiful example of Viking swords.
“This sword is probably what we call a D-shaped sword,” said Anne Zanet Glorstad, an archaeologist at the University of Oslo in Norway. She explained that it was “one of the most ornate and heaviest swords of the Viking Age.” .
“It's still difficult to see all the details, but the decor includes elements of the typical late Iron Age style, as well as geometric silver figures with the so-called blackening technique – that is, the metal mixture was added in the form of black stripes on silver,” said Glorstad. >
The sword belongs to a group of 20 other artifacts that were found in Norway, most of which were probably imported. According to scientists, the sword was forged far from where it was found. Apparently, his homeland is the Frankish Empire or England.
Similar swords were found throughout Europe, the most similar specimen was found in a tomb of the ninth century on the Scottish island of Eig. According to Glostard, as soon as experts have completed work on the preservation of the sword, they will contact scientists from other countries to trace the history of its creation.
which can be hints. Yes, a large, ornate sword made in another country could afford only a person who had a high social status. In addition, the sword was found near the rich tomb of a Viking woman – “Queen of the Hausels” – in which they found many treasures brought even from Ireland.
Currently, the sword is stored in the museum, after all restoration works, it will be part of the exhibition.
Earlier, scientists from the University of Aarhus (Denmark) dated two “horned helmets”, which were the only archaeological evidence that the Vikings wore such products, and concluded that they were made in the Bronze Age . That is, long before the Viking Age.
