Archaeologists uncover Viking ship traces and rare runestone

Archaeologists in Norway and the Faroe Islands have reported significant historical finds. In Norway, researchers from the University of Stavanger are excavating a burial mound that contains traces of a 50-foot Viking-era ship. The excavation, which revisits a site first studied in 1902, has uncovered rivets and wood fragments. Experts believe the ship burial may have been placed atop an older Bronze Age mound, and they are working to determine if the vessel dates to approximately 864 or an earlier period.

In the Faroe Islands, archaeologists at Sondum on the island of Sandoy have unearthed a rare runestone. Found lying on the floor of an ancient structure, the stone features discernible runes, though its extreme fragility has required it to be moved to the National Museum of the Faroe Islands for preservation. An expert in ancient writings is expected to assist in deciphering the inscriptions. The site also yielded fragments of a small statue depicting the Virgin Mary.