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Norwegians find well-preserved Viking-era sword

Published 1:30 am Saturday, September 16, 2017

Norwegians find well-preserved Viking-era sword
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Norwegians find well-preserved Viking-era sword
The ancient Viking sword, believed to date from about 850-950, is seen on on Sept. 5. (Espen Finstad/ Oppland county council)

Associated Press

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A Norwegian archaeologist said a well-preserved, if rusty, iron sword dating to the Viking era has been found in southern Norway.

Lars Holger Piloe said the nearly 3-foot-long sword was found slid down between rocks with the blade sticking out, and may have been left by a person who got lost in a blizzard and died on the mountain from exposure.

Piloe said Thursday the sword, dating from about 850-950 A.D., was found in Lesja, some 170 miles north of Oslo.

Piloe said the sword’s preservation was likely due to the quality of the iron, as well as the cold, dry conditions. It was found in late August by two men who were on a reindeer hunt a mile above sea level.

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