10th-Century Viking Burial Site Found Near Aarhus Denmark

A Viking Age burial site dating to the 10th century has been discovered near Lisbjerg, just north of Aarhus, Denmark, during construction work, according to the Moesgaard Museum. The site contains around 30 graves, believed to belong to a noble family possibly linked to King Harald Bluetooth, who introduced Christianity to Denmark and assigned nobles to govern regions. Archaeologists uncovered a variety of artifacts including pearls, coins, ceramics, and a rare decorative box with gold thread, which is one of only three known of its kind in Europe. One grave, thought to be that of an important woman, held the box along with a pair of scissors, highlighting the significance of the burial. Human remains such as teeth and bones were also found, and experts note that grave goods were likely chosen to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. Excavations are concluding soon, with detailed analyses planned to better date and understand the site, which is near a Viking-era farm discovered in the 1980s and close to Aarhus, a key royal and commercial center during the Viking Age.