ODENSE, DENMARK—According to a Reuters report, 50 well-preserved skeletons dated to between A.D. 850 and 970 have been uncovered on Denmark’s island of Funen. Michael Borre Lundoe of Museum Odense said that high water levels at the site and favorable soil conditions helped to preserve the bones. “Normally when we excavate Viking graves, we’d be lucky if there were two teeth left in the grave besides the grave goods,” he explained. Most of the individuals are thought to have been farmers. One woman, who was buried with a silver-ornamented knife and a piece of glass, is thought to have been of higher status. Analysis of soil samples could detect pollen and possibly traces of textiles. A textile sample was also found on the back of a brooch. To read about a silver valkyrie figurine uncovered on Funen, go to “Visions of Valhalla.”

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Source: archaeology.org