A recent study published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology reveals that Norwegian Viking society was significantly more violent than that of Denmark. This finding is based on a detailed analysis of skeletal traumas, weapons, and archaeological evidence reflecting the social and political dynamics of these ancient Scandinavian peoples. The study offers an innovative perspective on the differences between these two Viking societies.
Researchers discovered that Norwegian Vikings possessed a disproportionate number of swords compared to their Danish neighbors. Swords, considered personal weapons and symbols of status, are a clear indicator of the prevalence of interpersonal violence in Norway. The abundant presence of these weapons suggests a social environment where violence and the threat of violence were common and possibly accepted as part of everyday life.
In contrast, Danish Viking society showed fewer swords and a tendency towards more institutionalized and regulated forms of violence. Official executions were more common in Denmark, indicating a more centralized and civilized social system where violence was controlled by authorities and not as prevalent on a personal level.
To reach these conclusions, the research team adopted an interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, osteology, philology, and sociology. They analyzed skeletal traumas and the frequency of weapons in archaeological finds, as well as runic inscriptions and monumental constructions to measure social stratification.
Skeletal traumas provided direct evidence of physical violence. In Norway, a greater number of wounds and fractures resulting from combat were found, supporting the idea of a more violent society. On the other hand, in Denmark, evidence of physical violence was less frequent, and identified traumas were more related to official punishments and sanctions.
The study also highlighted significant differences in the social and political structure of the two regions. In Denmark, society was more hierarchical and power structures were more complex. Violence was more contained within a legal and regulated system, reflecting a more advanced and stable social organization.
In Norway, social structure was less rigid and more chaotic. The high prevalence of swords and the frequency of interpersonal violence suggest a society where power was more dispersed and personal disputes were often resolved through force. This chaotic environment is reflected in the abundance of personal weapons and the need to be armed for protection and status.
Historically, these differences may be related to the evolution of Viking societies and their interactions with other peoples and cultures. The greater institutionalization of violence in Denmark could be the result of greater influence from continental European practices and earlier integration into feudal and Christian systems. In contrast, Norway, with its more rugged and less accessible landscapes, maintained more archaic and decentralized social structures for a longer period.
The study concludes that violence, in its various forms, can be a valuable tool for better understanding the social structures and dynamics of Viking societies. Patterns of violence reflect power relationships and social institutions, offering a window into the organization and internal tensions of these ancient peoples.
The abundance of swords in Norway not only indicates a more violent society, but also one where status and personal power were closely linked to the ability to exert violence. This fundamental difference in how violence was handled between Norway and Denmark underscores the diversity within the Viking world and the importance of specific local contexts in better understanding these complex societies.
SOURCES
Jan Bill, David Jacobson, et al., Violence as a lens to Viking societies: A comparison of Norway and Denmark. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, vol.75. September 2024, 101605. doi.org/10.1016/j.jaa.2024.101605
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