A Comparison of Mortality Rates: Viking Violence in Norway vs Denmark
Recent analysis has shed light on the stark differences in mortality rates among Viking age people in Norway and Denmark. Contrary to long-held beliefs, researchers have discovered that individuals in Norway were far more likely to meet a violent end compared to their counterparts in Denmark. The findings were unexpected, prompting further investigation into the factors contributing to this discrepancy.
### The Study: A Closer Look at Viking Age Skeletons
In a study published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, researchers compared two groups of Viking Age skeletons: 30 from Norway and 82 from Denmark. The results were striking – 37% of the Norwegian individuals studied had suffered violent deaths, primarily from assaults with bladed or pointed weapons. In contrast, only about 7% of the Danish individuals met a violent end, with many being executed by hanging or decapitation.
To delve deeper into this disparity, the research team examined archaeological and historical records from both Norway and Denmark during the Viking Age. The skeletons from Norway were found across the country, while those from Denmark predominantly came from the eastern and central regions. The time frame of the skeletons ranged from the sixth to the 11th centuries, overlapping with the generally accepted period of the Viking Age from around 800-1050.
Historical and archaeological evidence suggested that Vikings killed in raids were buried in the lands they attacked, rather than being brought back home. This indicates that the skeletons used in the study were likely individuals who met a violent end in their home territories, shedding light on the prevalence of violence within these communities.
### Cultural Significance of Weapons in Norway
One notable finding was the presence of weapons, particularly swords, in the graves of Norwegian Vikings. The study identified over 3,000 swords from the Late Iron Age and Viking periods in Norway, compared to just a few dozen in Denmark. This emphasis on weapons in Norwegian burials highlights the culture’s strong connection to violence and the significance of weaponry in defining Viking identity and social status.
The team’s analysis revealed a stark difference in burial practices between Norway and Denmark, with weapons playing a more prominent role in Norwegian Viking culture. This cultural emphasis on warfare and weaponry may have contributed to the higher rates of violence observed among Viking age individuals in Norway.
### Centralization and Governance in Denmark
The researchers also explored the role of governance and centralization in influencing violence rates in Norway and Denmark. They noted that the government in what is now Denmark appeared to be more centralized than in Norway during the Viking Age. Danish Viking fortifications were larger and more elaborate, suggesting a greater consolidation of resources and manpower for defense.
The presence of runestones containing inscriptions in Norway and Denmark further highlighted differences in social hierarchy between the two regions. The researchers found that Danish runestones showed more evidence of social stratification, with the use of titles indicating a more structured society. This hierarchical system may have contributed to a more orderly governance that effectively curbed violence within Danish territories.
### Implications and Limitations of the Study
While the study provided valuable insights into Viking violence rates in Norway and Denmark, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations. The sample size, though drawn from extensive bone collections, was relatively small, impacting the scope of conclusions that could be drawn. Additionally, the researchers noted that the skeletons may not fully represent the entire Viking populations in Norway and Denmark during the study period.
Despite these limitations, the findings offer a compelling glimpse into the complex dynamics of Viking society and the varying levels of violence experienced in different regions. The cultural significance of weapons in Norway, coupled with differences in governance and social hierarchy, likely played a significant role in shaping mortality rates among Viking age individuals.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparison of mortality rates among Viking age people in Norway and Denmark reveals intriguing insights into the prevalence of violence within these ancient societies. The cultural emphasis on weaponry in Norway, coupled with differences in governance structure and social hierarchy, sheds light on the factors influencing rates of violent deaths among Viking populations. This study serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of Viking society and the complexities of violence in the ancient world.