Construction workers near the village of Lisbjerg in northern Denmark have uncovered a Viking-era burial site believed to belong to a Viking noble family, according to the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus.
The discovery, made just seven kilometers (24.85 miles) north of Aarhus, revealed approximately 30 graves along with a collection of ancient artifacts. Archaeologists found pearls, coins, pottery, and a small box containing a delicate gold thread.
Museum officials described the find as “spectacular,” noting the variety and preservation of the objects. The burial site dates to the late 10th century, a period marked by the reign of King Harald Bluetooth, who is known for uniting parts of Denmark and introducing Christianity to the region.
Evidence points to a Viking noble family
Archaeologist Mads Ravn from the Moesgaard Museum said the graves are likely connected to a high-ranking Viking family. Less than a kilometer from the site, remains of a large farm were discovered in the late 1980s, possibly linking both locations to the same household.
“This could have been one of Harald Bluetooth’s earls or stewards,” Ravn told AFP.
VIDEO: 🇩🇰 Viking burial site discovered in Denmark
In an accidental find, a 10th-century burial site believed to have belonged to a Viking noble family has been discovered in northern Denmark, packed with a trove of ancient objects#AFPVertical pic.twitter.com/JKjTTsANVd
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He added that during Harald’s rule, local nobles were often assigned to manage specific territories. The burial objects suggest that those buried here held important social or political roles.
Grave goods reveal beliefs about the afterlife
Researchers also uncovered human remains, including teeth and bones, which will undergo further analysis. According to Ravn, items buried alongside the deceased reflect what people considered meaningful in life.
“People basically took what was important to them into the grave because they wanted to transfer it to the other world,” he said.
One grave, believed to belong to a woman of high status, drew special attention. It contained a box filled with decorative items and a pair of scissors. Ravn described the box as “magnificent” and exceptionally rare.
Only two other similar boxes have been found—one in southeastern Germany and another elsewhere in Europe. “It’s very rare, there’s only three of them we know of,” he said.
Excavation expected to conclude this week
Excavations at the site are expected to conclude by the end of the week. Afterward, experts will begin a detailed study of the artifacts and burial structures. Wooden objects recovered from the graves are expected to help researchers date the burials more precisely.
Aarhus, located nearby, was one of Denmark’s most important cities during the Viking Age. It served as both a royal base and a key trading center, reinforcing the significance of the Lisbjerg site within the broader context of the period.