By Sama Marwan ,
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered 30 Viking-era graves, believed to belong to an elite family that may have served during the reign of Harald Bluetooth — the famed king of Denmark and Norway who ruled in the 10th century. The distinctive graves contained coins, pearls, and pottery, according to a statement from the Moesgaard Museum, which oversaw the excavation.
Liv Stidsing Reher-Lanberg, an archaeologist at the museum and lead excavator at the burial site, explained that Viking Age burials (793–1066 AD) are rarely discovered.
She added that most graves from that period contain few or no grave goods. However, the newly discovered graves at Lisbjerg, near Aarhus, held an unusually rich collection of valuable items — suggesting the deceased were wealthy individuals of high social status.
Reher-Lanberg stated, “The burial site here in Lisbjerg is of very special significance.”
Archaeologists had previously uncovered the nearby farmstead of a tribal chieftain, which they now associate with the burial site. This nobleman belonged to the aristocratic class of the time — directly beneath King Harald Bluetooth in the social hierarchy. Bluetooth had a profound impact on the region, unifying its tribes into a single kingdom.
Reher-Lanberg said, “The chieftain in Lisbjerg held immense power — economically, politically, religiously, and socially.”
The graves, believed to date back to the late 9th century AD, vary in size and opulence. Archaeologists noted that this variation may indicate a mix of social standings among the deceased — possibly the chieftain’s family members and their servants.
Initial investigations in the area had only revealed traces from the pre-Roman Iron Age (500 to 1 BCE). Even after the discovery of the nearby chieftain’s farm, there had been no reason to expect Viking-era graves.
“It was a huge surprise,” said Reher-Lanberg. “We never expected to find graves here.”
Now that the excavation is nearly complete, the team has sent many of the items for analysis and preservation by the museum’s Department of Natural Sciences and Conservation. Human remains, wood, and soil from the site will also be studied. Reher-Lanberg noted, “We hope all of this will lead to further research” in the area.
These artifacts will be on display this summer at the Moesgaard Museum in Denmark.
