Secrets of the Viking Burial Ships - Vikings: The Lost Realm - S01 EP2 - History Documentary

Recent questions

• What is the significance of the Viking burial ships found in Estonia?

  The Viking burial ships found in Estonia from the late 8th to mid-11th centuries hold immense historical importance. These discoveries shed light on the Viking age, showcasing the traumatic events that marked its beginning in Northeast Britain in AD 793. The raid on Lindisfarne in 793 is considered a classic start of the Viking age, but Scandinavians had influence in Western Europe even before this time. The artifacts and longships found in Estonia reveal the push and pull factors that led Vikings to raid, not just for loot. The Salma excavation in Estonia, dating back to around 750-700 AD, before the conventional Viking age, uncovered well-preserved artifacts and boat burials, providing insights into Viking funeral rites and societal structures. These findings highlight the Baltic Sea as a significant area for Vikings, with interactions in the east, and offer a glimpse into the warrior society and burial practices of this fascinating historical period.

• What were the unique aspects of the Salma excavation in Estonia?

  The Salma excavation in Estonia unearthed remarkable discoveries that set it apart from conventional Viking age findings. The Salma find, dating back to around 750-700 AD, revealed Viking boat burials with well-preserved artifacts, showcasing a burial ritual involving a mound of dead men, birds, fish, and dogs deposited in a grave. The Salma 2 discovery in Estonia further surprised researchers with a larger ship burial containing unique artifacts and 41 male skeletons. The presence of swords and other weapons, some adorned with precious metals and jewels, indicated social differences between the men buried in the two boats. The burial ritual at Salma involved symbolic placements of swords, possibly for protective reasons, and the artifacts found among the bodies reflected a warrior society with distinct social hierarchies. These findings provide valuable insights into Viking burial practices and the cultural significance of the Salma excavation in Estonia.

• What do the artifacts from the Salma excavation reveal about Viking society?

  The artifacts uncovered during the Salma excavation in Estonia offer intriguing insights into Viking society and burial practices. The presence of gaming pieces, personal artifacts, and swords among the bodies suggests a warrior society with a complex social structure. The unique placements of swords in the graves, possibly for symbolic or protective reasons, hint at the cultural beliefs and rituals of the Vikings. The artifacts, including swords adorned with precious metals and jewels, indicate social differences between the individuals buried in the two boats. The burial ritual at Salma, involving a mound of dead men, birds, fish, and dogs, reflects a society that valued honor, dignity, and reciprocity in treatment. These findings highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Vikings and provide valuable insights into their beliefs, traditions, and societal structures.

• What do the skeletons found at the Salma excavation reveal about Viking warriors?

  The skeletons found at the Salma excavation in Estonia offer intriguing insights into Viking warriors and their way of life. The trauma evidence on the skeletons suggests brutal deaths, with one man showing signs of a fierce fight and respect in burial. The first skeleton excavated displayed multiple wounds and a severed arm, indicating a serious battle. The second skeleton, younger and slighter, had a congenital condition in the upper spine, possibly not a typical warrior trait. The high-status associated with the skeleton, marked by the presence of a sword and a King gaming piece, raises questions about the significance of the gaming piece placement. The skeletons found at Salma provide valuable information about Viking warriors, their physical characteristics, and the societal structures that defined their roles and status within the community.

• What ongoing analyses are expected to provide further insights into the Salma Graves discovery?

  Ongoing DNA and other analyses are expected to provide further insights into the identities and stories of those buried at the Salma Graves, marking a compelling discovery shedding light on Viking burial practices. The presence of numerous gaming pieces in the grave hints at both intentional and accidental placements, sparking questions about the cultural significance of these artifacts. The security concerns during excavation, due to the presence of Viking swords and other valuable items, underscore the importance of preserving and studying these historical findings. The Salma Graves offer a unique glimpse into Viking society, funeral rites, and social hierarchies, with ongoing research poised to reveal more about the individuals buried, their relationships, and the cultural practices that defined their lives.