Viking treasure uncovered: Untouched silver bracelets found in Norway

Archaeologists from the University of Stavanger in Norway are celebrating an extraordinary discovery—they have found a Viking-era treasure that has remained "untouched" for over 1,000 years! The treasure consists of four silver bracelets buried about 8 inches underground. Initially, scientists thought they had found ordinary copper wires.

Norwegian archaeologists have uncovered a true treasure from the Viking era: four uniquely decorated silver bracelets, likely dating back to the 9th century. The jewelry was discovered on the slope of a mountain in Ardal in the municipality of Hjelmeland in Ryfylke, about 8 inches 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.

Initially, scientists did not realize they were dealing with silver jewelry. They thought they had encountered hidden copper wires, often found in agricultural areas. However, the truth turned out to be surprising.

According to livescience.com, Ardal once (793–1066 AD) housed a "large and powerful" Viking farm. In addition to the jewelry, researchers discovered a range of artifacts, including pots, rivets, knife blades, and sharpening stones. Evidence shows 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 what was probably a slave's house.

Scientists believe the silver came from abroad, likely through 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 Demuth.

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

Excavation work continues on the farm.