Viking Exhibit

Who were the Vikings? Seafaring invaders and plunderers? Innovative explorers, traders and craftsmen? Find out: 

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  Reconstruction of an iron Viking helmet. The somewhat different original is from Germundbu, Norway, and one of the very few known Viking-Age helmets. Courtesy the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm, Sweden

• Legend has it that Vikings were armor-clad warriors, robbers and seafaring invaders, aggressive travelers who killed and frightened anyone they encountered. But that’s far from their whole story. Archaeological discoveries and Scandinavian artifacts explain another side of our Nordic ancestors: They were also peaceful traders, farmers, hunters and craftsmen.

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  Plaster copy of rune stone. The inscription reads 'Ginne layed this stone together with Toke.' The original is from Saint Paul's Cathedral, London, England. Courtesy of the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm, Sweden

• In this exhibit from the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm, now at The Field Museum in Chicago, we can view artifacts from the Vikings' everyday activities, religious beliefs and family life in 750-1100 AD, including beautiful jewelry and metalwork, objects made from glass and bone, and yes, swords and armor.

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  Axe, broad-bladed. Iron. Axes of this kind were multifunctional and could be used in battle as well as in timber work. Grave find, Utanmyra, Sollerön, Dalarna, Sweden. Swedish History Museum

• The exhibition also includes an exploration of mythology and the symbolism of Viking ships, a new understanding of the importance of travel and trade, and some exciting virtual experiences for all ages. Discover why — even 1,000 years later — Viking culture still captivates our imagination, from Feb. 27 through Oct. 4 at The Field Museum.
  Who were the Vikings? Special exhibition at Chicago's Field Museum

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• More on the beliefs of the Vikings: Norse Mythology 101

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  The special Viking exhibition at the Denver Museum of Natural History runs through August 18.