Archaeologists from Denmark’s Moesgaard Museum have uncovered an exceptional Viking Age burial site near Lisbjerg, just seven kilometers north of Aarhus, that has produced evidence of a noble family believed to have served under King Harald Bluetooth in the late 10th century.
Excavation of a Viking Age burial site at Lisbjerg. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
The excavation, which began after construction works led to the exposure of ancient artifacts, has unearthed 30 graves dating to the second half of the 900s CE—a time when the Viking king unified Denmark and introduced Christianity.
The burial ground contains an extraordinary collection of grave goods, including coins, beads, pottery, and a special casket adorned with gold thread ornamentation and complex fittings. It also contained human remains, mainly teeth and bones, which provide further evidence of the elite status of the people buried there.
From the excavation of the Viking burial site at Lisbjerg, where the Lisbjerg Casket is carefully lifted from the ground by conservators. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
According to the archaeologists, this is not a common Viking burial site. The objects found, especially the magnificent casket, suggest these were people of very high status, likely the noble family ᴀssociated with the nearby Viking manor.
Excavation of a Viking Age burial site at Lisbjerg. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
Excavation of a Viking Age burial site at Lisbjerg. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
The manor, located less than a kilometer from the burial site, was first excavated by Moesgaard archaeologists in 1989. Surrounded by a fortified palisade and measuring some two hectares, the estate was the residence of a local chieftain or nobleman.
The most remarkable discovery was a grave believed to be that of a prominent woman. Experts said the casket in her grave had the finest fittings, rivets, and a complex lock system. X-rays revealed it contained personal items such as jewelry, a needle, and a pair of scissors—items not commonly found so well-preserved in Viking graves. This kind of casket has been found only in Haldum, 12 km from here, and one example has also been excavated in southeastern Germany.
X-ray image of the Lisbjerg Casket, showing a cross-shaped fitting on the lid as well as beads, scissors, and gold thread inside the casket. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
The graves vary both in size and richness, suggesting a range of social statuses—possibly including both slaves and aristocrats.
Aarhus, which in Viking times was known as Aros, was one of Denmark’s oldest and most significant cities, both a royal center and an international commercial hub. The noble manor at Lisbjerg was linked to Aros by a main road, highlighting the area’s political and strategic importance during the Viking Age.
Beads found in the graves. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
Whetstones and pottery found in the graves. Credit: Moesgaard Museum
While the excavations are concluding, researchers will spend months analyzing the wooden artifacts, human remains, and soil samples, which may yield more precise dating of the graves. The new discoveries will be put on display at the Moesgaard Museum this summer.
