The Vikings are chiefly known today as warriors – brute, gruff, and ruthless. And while many archaeological finds from the Viking era do back that up, there was much more to their society than that. These Viking artifacts depict the military prowess of the Norse people, while also highlighting their lesser-known artistic talents, seen in creations like colored glass and rings.
Regardless of how we imagine the Vikings, these astonishing relics shed light on a centuries-old civilization. Sometimes, the only word to be mustered is “whoa.”
1. 7th Century Sword
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
2. Axe Head, Circa 12th Century
Photo: Wolfgang Sauber / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
3. 1st Century Viking Swords
Photo: Wolfmann / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
4. 7th Century Helmet
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
5. Warrior Shield
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
6. Colored Glass Vase
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
7. Early-Medieval Viking Finger Ring
Photo: Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0
8. Viking Penny
Photo: Surrey County Council / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY 2.0
9. Colored Glass Bowl, Circa 7th Century
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
10. 1,000-Year-Old Sword Found By An 8-Year-Old Girl
Photo: Jönköping County Museum
11. 10th Century Viking Weapons
Photo: Simon Burchell / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
12. Horse Harness
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
13. Collapsible Scale And Weights
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
14. Leather And Metal Armor Pieces
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
15. Thor’s Hammer Pendant
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
16. 10th Century Brooch
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
17. Amber Beads
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
18. Viking Buckle
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
19. 9th Century Steel Sword
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
20. Partially Reconstructed Chain Mail Shirt
Photo: Wolfmann / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
21. Silk With Silver Embroidery
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
22. Molding Tools
Photo: Szilas / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
23. 9th Century Beads
Photo: Joe Mabel / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0
24. Copper-Alloy Stud
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0
25. Lead Weight
Photo: The Portable Antiquities Scheme/ The Trustees of the British Museum / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 2.0