The Oldest Ship Burial in Norway: A Glimpse into Pre-Viking History

In the picturesque landscape of central Norway, a mysterious grassy hill known as the Herlaugshagen burial mound has been shrouded in intrigue for generations. Archaeologists have long suspected that this sizable mound, which is located along a centuries-old shipping route, is the final resting place of a pre-Viking ship. Recent surveys and excavations have unearthed compelling evidence that not only supports this hypothesis but also challenges our understanding of maritime traditions and exchange networks in the region.

The Discovery

This summer, a team of dedicated archaeologists embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets hidden beneath the Herlaugshagen burial mound. What they uncovered was nothing short of remarkable. Large rivets, once integral to the structure of a ship, were found scattered across the site. The discovery of wooden remnants thought to be a part of the ship's hull complemented these rivets. Geir Grønnesby, an archaeologist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), led the survey and was quick to note the excellent preservation conditions of these artifacts.

The burial mound itself is of staggering proportions, with a diameter measuring about 197 feet (60 meters) and a height of 23 feet (7 meters). Such dimensions strongly suggest that this site once cradled a vessel of significant size, thus confirming the long-held suspicions of archaeologists.

Radiocarbon dating of the preserved wood places the construction of this ship at around A.D. 700. Astonishingly, this date predates the Viking Age, a period that historically marked the zenith of ship burials in Scandinavia. This discovery effectively bridges the temporal gap between earlier Scandinavian ship burial traditions and the famous Sutton Hoo find in England, which dates back to the seventh century.

Historical Significance

The Herlaugshagen burial mound holds more than just archaeological treasures; it carries profound historical implications. Prior to this discovery, the oldest known ship burials were thought to be from the late 8th century. The unearthing of this pre-Viking ship burial challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on the evolution of burial practices in Scandinavia.

Local records indicate that the site had been excavated multiple times in the 18th century, yielding artifacts such as a wall fragment, iron nails, a bronze kettle, animal bones, charcoal, and even a seated skeleton accompanied by a sword. Regrettably, these invaluable relics were lost in the 1920s, leaving behind only written accounts of their existence. Nevertheless, the recent research has opened a window into the historical significance of ship burials in the region.

Implications and Unanswered Questions

While the discovery has provided remarkable insights, there are still unanswered questions regarding the vessel's nature and purpose. Since the entire ship has not been excavated, its exact function remains a subject of speculation. Ships from this era were commonly associated with warriors and warfare, but it is also plausible that they played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and the transportation of goods along the coast.

The Herlaugshagen burial mound, with its pre-Viking ship burial, has added a new chapter to the rich tapestry of Scandinavian history and archaeology. This monumental find not only reshapes our understanding of ship burials but also underscores the maritime expertise and extensive networks that existed long before the Viking Age. As further research unfolds, we can anticipate even more revelations from this extraordinary site, deepening our appreciation of the ancient cultures that once thrived in this captivating corner of the world.