Untouched Viking Silver Treasure Unearthed in Norway
Archaeologists from the University of Stavanger have uncovered an incredible Viking treasure on a mountainside in Årdal, Hjelmeland municipality. Buried for over 1,000 years, the hoard consists of four intricately designed silver bracelets dating back to the 9th century. This discovery promises to shed new light on Viking society and its relationship with silver, which was highly prized in their culture. Found completely intact and in its original location, the treasure represents a rare and significant find in the field of Viking archaeology.
Uncovering Hidden Viking Wealth
The discovery announced by the University of Stavanger was made during an excavation on the farm of Tårn Sigve Schmidt, who planned to build a new road across his property. To ensure no archaeological material would be disturbed, field archaeologists Mari Krogstad Samuelsen and Ola Tengesdal Lygre were called in to conduct a survey, financed by the National Antiquities Agency.
While digging about 20 cm (8 inches) into the earth, Lygre initially mistook the bracelets for old copper wires—a common find in farm fields. Upon realizing they were silver, the team quickly recognized the significance of their discovery.
"When I saw that there were several lying next to each other and that they were not copper at all, but silver, I realized that we had found something exciting," Lygre remarked.
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The X-rays show that the four bangles have different shapes and decorations. (Archaeological Museum, University of Stavanger)
Life on a Viking Farm
The site where the treasure was found was once a large Viking farm, including multiple buildings for people and animals, according to lead archaeologist Volker Demuth. Excavation work revealed remnants of soapstone pots, rivets, knife blades, and sharpening stones, all pointing to a bustling settlement. The silver bracelets were buried under what appears to have been a small house for slaves, a vital but often overlooked part of Viking society.
This untouched silver hoard provides an unusual opportunity for archaeologists to study Viking material culture in its original context. "This is a unique find because we very rarely find such objects exactly where they were placed," Demuth explained. Most Viking-era silver is discovered on plowed fields, where objects have been displaced from their original settings. As a result, the find could offer fresh insights into Viking Age life and social dynamics.
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Field archaeologists Ola Tengesdal Lygre (left) and Theo Eli Gil Bell at the silver treasure. It was taken out as a block and transported to the museum for further analysis. (Volker Demuth, Archaeological Museum/ University of Stavanger)
Fleeing from Danger?
While the exact circumstances surrounding the burial remain unknown, the archaeologists believe the treasure was hidden during a time of unrest in the 9th century. The farm where the treasure was found had been burned down at some point, aligning with a turbulent period in Viking history. Demuth speculates that the farm's inhabitants may have been forced to flee and decided to hide their valuables in the mountainside, expecting to return later.
Notably, silver was a scarce resource in Norway during the Viking Age. There were no silver mines in operation, so the precious metal had to be obtained from abroad, either through trade, gifts, or Viking raids. The silver bracelets are reminiscent of similar objects discovered in Hjelmeland in 1769, leading to speculation that there may be a connection between the two finds. However, further research is needed to confirm this.
A Glimpse into Viking Society
The block of earth containing the bracelets has been transported to the Archaeological Museum in Stavanger for further analysis. Conservators are currently using X-rays to examine the hoard and will conduct soil sampling to determine whether the bracelets were originally wrapped in cloth.
Museum director Ole Madsen expressed his excitement over the find:
"This is an absolutely fantastic find, which gives us completely unique knowledge about one of the most central eras in Norway, namely the Viking Age."
The Archaeological Museum plans to display the treasure as soon as conservation work is complete.
This discovery not only adds to our understanding of Viking culture but also highlights the importance of preserving archaeological sites for future generations.
Top image: The silver treasure found in Årdal, Hjelmeland Municipality, Norway,located exactly where the Vikings buried it in the 9th century. Source: Volker Demuth, Archaeological Museum/ University of Stavanger
