For the first time in a century, archaeologists are lucky enough to unearth a Viking ship. A unique artifact affected by the fungus, so you need to act very quickly.
In June of this year, archaeologists from the Norwegian Institute for cultural heritage research (NIKU) will begin excavations on the ship Gjellestad. It was discovered in 2018, and is just two feet below the surface of the earth on a farm in the County of Østfold, Norway. The length of the vessel is about 20 meters, and the age of about 1,200 years, although the Dating is still approximate.
“A monumental ship-burial grounds, such as “Hillestad”, were built for the most influential people who lived in the South of Norway in the Viking age,” write the specialists. The ship itself was discovered in what remained of the mound, so this place was probably the cemetery of the Vikings centuries ago. Due to the fact that the Viking culture was closely associated with ships, leaders and a noble, people were often buried in a specially built courts.
However, all is not so rosy. As shown by tests, the keel of the ship was subjected to the aggressive action of the fungus that devours the ancient wood. “It is clear that in current conditions the vehicle will last very long” the scientists explain. In addition, complicate the work of the hard measures taken in connection with the pandemic coronavirus: employees will have to maintain a distance of one meter, and for each participant of the excavation will need its own set of equipment.
However, archaeologists are full of enthusiasm. Past excavations of Viking ships were made in 1868, 1880 and 1904, when the weapons scientists didn’t have the modern instruments and research techniques. So as a result, we can obtain unique data that helps us to take a new look at the history and culture of Northern peoples.
