In a documentary, National Geographic revealed the research work of English scientists, who recreated the face of a Viking warrior who lived 1,000 years ago. The skeleton of this woman was found in Solør, Norway, and is now kept in the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.
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Her skeleton had already been identified as that of a woman, but at the time, researchers did not consider that she could have been a warrior because of her sex, according to archaeologist Ella Al-Shamahi.
The scientists who reconstructed the Viking's face found that she was buried surrounded by weapons such as a bow, sword, spear and axe. They were also surprised to find on her skeleton a wound caused by a weapon. The archaeologist explained:
The first war wound ever found on a female warrior.
A breathtaking reconstruction
Researchers were unable to identify whether this wound on the forehead was the cause of the warrior's death. Indeed, it shows signs of healing. Although the reconstruction is not '100% accurate,' explained Al-Shamahi, it does give an idea of the Viking's appearance, which can be seen in the video above.
This discovery will also allow us to change certain beliefs about female warriors in the time of the Vikings. In the documentary, broadcasted on National Geographic, Professor Neil Price, quoted by the newspaper The Guardian, explained:
There are so many other burials in the Viking world… It wouldn’t surprise me at all if we find more [female warriors].
