Unearthing Viking wealth: Ancient silver bracelets discovered

Archaeologists from the University of Stavanger in Norway have made an extraordinary discovery—they have found a Viking-era treasure that has remained "untouched" for over 1,000 years! These are four silver bracelets buried about 20 centimetres underground. Initially, scientists thought they had found ordinary copper wires.

Norwegian archaeologists have found a true treasure from the Viking era! These are four uniquely decorated silver bracelets, probably dating back to the 9th century. The jewellery was discovered on the slope of a mountain in Årdal in the municipality of Hjelmeland in Ryfylke, about 20 centimetres underground.

This is definitely the biggest thing I have experienced in my career - said Volker Demuth, archaeologist and project leader at the Archaeological Museum of the University of Stavanger.

Scientists did not immediately realize they were dealing with silver jewellery. Initially, they thought they had encountered hidden copper wires in the soil, often found in agricultural areas. The truth turned out to be surprising.

As described by livescience.com, Årdal once (793–1066 AD) housed a "large and powerful" Viking farm, and in addition to the jewellery, researchers discovered a range of artifacts, including pots, rivets, knife blades, and sharpening stones. According to the article, there is also evidence that the farm was burned, which "coincides with a period of great unrest in the Viking Age."

If people who lived on this farm had to flee from an attack, it would be natural to hide away the valuables you had before escaping to the mountains - Demuth explained.

According to sciencenorway.no, the treasure was buried under a house, which was probably a slave's house.

According to scientists, the silver came from abroad, probably from trade, gifts, or plunder.

This is a unique find, because we very rarely find such objects exactly where they were placed. As a rule, such valuable objects are discovered on fields that have been plowed, where an object has been completely taken out of its original context. Since the silver hoard has not been moved, it can give us completely new insights into life and society in the Viking Age - emphasized the project leader.

The silver bracelets were evidence of their owner’s wealth and served as a payment unit. The Vikings traded silver, received it as gifts, or took it as loot during raids.

Excavation work continues on the farm.