Chapter 1: A Serendipitous Find

In an unexpected turn of events, a Norwegian family stumbled upon two Viking brooches while searching for a lost earring. These artifacts, approximately 1,200 years old, provide vital insights into the Vikings' early presence on the remote island of Jomfruland.

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Section 1.1: The Discovery Process

The Aasvik family, while scanning their grassy backyard with a metal detector, unearthed these historical treasures. Initially hoping to find a piece of jewelry, they instead discovered items of significant antiquity, buried just beneath the surface near a large tree. The artifacts, dating back to the Viking Age, consist of two bronze brooches that were likely once gilded. Experts note that the intricate designs feature animal motifs and geometric patterns.

According to archaeologist Vibeke Lia from Norway's Vestfold and Telemark region, “These artifacts may represent the earliest Viking Age findings (793–1066 AD) on Jomfruland Island.” This discovery suggests the island was inhabited during that period, challenging previous assumptions of its long-term uninhabitation.

The larger of the two brooches served both ornamental and practical purposes, fastening clothing at shoulder height. Typically found in women's graves from the Viking Age, these brooches are characteristic of the 9th century.

Vibeke Lia commended the Aasvik family for their diligence in reporting the discovery without further disturbing the site.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Significance of the Brooches

Section 1.2: What Lies Beneath

The discovery of the two oval brooches may only be the beginning. They are believed to have belonged to a Viking aristocrat, with remnants of gilding suggesting their considerable worth. While no visible evidence of a burial mound or grave exists in the garden, archaeologists have found stone mounds on Jomfruland Island, previously thought to mark territorial claims. New theories propose that these mounds could conceal graves beneath them.

Chapter 2: Who Were the Vikings?

Defining a typical Viking can be complex. In the Anglo-Saxon context, the term broadly refers to anyone from Scandinavia between the 8th and 11th centuries. The ancestors of modern Scandinavians are celebrated for their bravery as warriors and their extensive maritime explorations, which included significant trade activities. Contrary to common perceptions, their violent tendencies were not markedly different from those of other cultures of their time.

The term “Viking” is thought to derive from the Old Norse word “vik,” meaning bay or inlet, suggesting that Vikings were essentially people of the bay. Linguists argue that the term primarily described an activity—raiding or piracy—rather than a specific group of people. This profession allowed for periodic opportunities for wealth accumulation.

Lost Secrets of the Ancient Vikings: 5 Unexplained Artifacts They Left Behind - This video delves into mysterious Viking artifacts that remain unexplained, offering further context to the discoveries made by the Aasvik family.

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