Last Updated:November 21, 2024, 11:21 IST
The archaeologists uncovered a 150-year-old glass bottle during an excavation, revealing coins and a handwritten note that has generated widespread intrigue and fascination.
The bottle was intentionally placed in the Viking grave.
Excavations at ancient sites often reveal incredible finds that leave archaeologists and historians awestruck, and a recent discovery in Norway is no exception. During a dig, researchers unearthed a 150-year-old glass bottle containing coins and a paper note, sparking immense curiosity and excitement. Carefully cutting the bottle open with a saw, scientists uncovered its fascinating contents—an old handwritten letter, coins, and a business card—shedding new light on the Viking age and the grave it was found in.
The discovery was shared through a series of videos on the Instagram account Sagastad, which appears to focus on Viking history. In one video, scientists can be seen diligently excavating when they come across the bottle buried deep in the earth. It has been found in a Viking burial site, adding to its historical significance. Vikings, known for their seafaring prowess, dominated Scandinavian history between the 8th and 11th centuries as explorers, traders, and raiders.
These videos have gone viral, tempting millions of viewers around the globe. The first video, showing the moment the bottle was unearthed, has amassed over 20 million views. A second clip, depicting the careful opening of the bottle, has garnered 5.9 million views. What lay inside the bottle was nothing short of remarkable—coins from the era, an old paper note, and a business card belonging to the archaeologist responsible for the burial in 1874.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the bottle had been deliberately placed in the Viking grave by Anders Lorange, a renowned archaeologist of his time. Lorange’s letter offered a formal summary of the excavation, including the date and purpose of the burial mound, constructed over the remains of fallen men interred in their ship along with their weapons. The coins likely included for historical context, have sparked debates among viewers, with some speculating they may not be as old as the ship burial itself.
This exciting find comes as archaeologists from the University of Bergen revisit the Myklebust Ship site, aiming to further explore its historical significance and potentially secure its place on Norway’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage sites. The letter, coins, and bottle serve as a time capsule from the 19th century, providing unique insights into how Viking graves were studied in the past.
The viral videos and the gripping story behind them continue to mesmerise audiences, offering a captivating glimpse into the Viking era and the mysteries it holds. This discovery not only highlights the rich history of Scandinavia but also showcases how artefacts can bridge the gap between the past and present, fuelling our fascination with ancient civilisations.