Viking news, features and articles

The Vikings are best known for raiding Europe in their longships, but there is so much more to these mysterious seafarers.
With each new discovery of a Viking burial or hoard of buried treasure, archeologists are slowly piecing together the Viking Age. From how their warriors sailed the seas with their pets to why they might not have been as blond as we think, Live Science's expert writers and editors reveal the latest news, features and articles about Vikings.
Discover more about Vikings
—Who were the Vikings, the warriors who raided Europe and explored the New World?
—Lindisfarne: The 'Holy Island' where Vikings spilled the 'blood of saints'
Latest about Vikings

Viking Age burial of chieftain with 'enormous power' found in Denmark — and he may have served Harald Bluetooth
By Perri Thaler published
Archaeologists were surprised to find 30 Viking Age burials in Denmark, and even more surprised by the extravagant grave goods found within them.

Viking Age woman was buried with her dog in an elaborate 'boat grave,' excavations reveal
By Tom Metcalfe published
Researchers think the Viking Age boat burial of a woman and her pooch in Norway dates to between A.D. 900 and 950.

1,000-year-old Viking Age hoard has a pendant that may be a cross or Thor's hammer
By Laura Geggel published
A metal detectorist in Germany has unearthed an Early Middle Ages hoard that contains 200 artifacts, including a pendant that may be a cross or an unfinished Thor's hammer.

Braided gold Viking arm-ring discovered by amateur metal detectorist on Isle of Man
By Laura Geggel published
Around 1,000 years ago, this Viking Age arm-ring from the Isle of Man was likely used not only to display its owner's wealth but also to serve as currency in financial transactions.

Archaeologist sailed a Viking replica boat for 3 years to discover unknown ancient harbors
By Kristina Killgrove published
Archaeologist Greer Jarrett spent three years piloting a small sailboat along the coast of Norway to understand Viking trade routes.

Viking Age women may have wielded weapons when pregnant, sagas and ancient artifacts hint
By Marianne Hem Eriksen published
Opinion Despite its central role in human history, pregnancy has often been overlooked in archaeology.

Oseberg tapestry: Viking Age artwork from a boat burial that may depict the Norse tree of life
By Kristina Killgrove published
This tapestry also contains one of the only known depictions of a horned Viking helmet.

'If it was a man, we would say that's a warrior's grave': Weapon-filled burials are shaking up what we know about women's role in Viking society
By Laura Geggel published
New research is finding that some women in Viking Age Scandinavia were buried with war-grade weapons. Experts are divided about what that means.
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