Knowingdaily

“Wow” Discover the mystery of 25 Viking artifacts that make us exclaim

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by

John SN

The Vikings are chiefly known today as warriors – brute, gruff, and ruthless. And while many archaeological finds from the Viking era do back that up, there was much more to their society than that. These Viking artifacts depict the military prowess of the Norse people, while also highlighting their lesser-known artistic talents, seen in creations like colored glass and rings.

Regardless of how we imagine the Vikings, these astonishing relics shed light on a centuries-old civilization. Sometimes, the only word to be mustered is “whoa.”

1. 7th Century Sword

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

2. Axe Head, Circa 12th Century

Photo: Wolfgang Sauber / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

3. 1st Century Viking Swords

Photo: Wolfmann / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

4. 7th Century Helmet

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

5. Warrior Shield

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

6. Colored Glass Vase

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

7. Early-Medieval Viking Finger Ring

Photo: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0

8. Viking Penny

Photo: Surrey County Council / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0

9. Colored Glass Bowl, Circa 7th Century

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

10. 1,000-Year-Old Sword Found By An 8-Year-Old Girl

Photo: Jönköping County Museum

11. 10th Century Viking Weapons

Photo: Simon Burchell / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

12. Horse Harness

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0

13. Collapsible Scale And Weights

Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0