The Viking burial site found in Aasum is believed to be a standard settlement, possibly a farming community located near a ring fortress in central Odense. The burial ground covers 21,500 square feet and holds the remains of men, women, and children, with some bodies being cremated. One woman was buried in a wagon, indicating she may have been of higher society. Artifacts such as brooches, necklace beads, knives, and even a piece of glass amulet were found in the graves, suggesting the dead were buried between 850 and 900 A.D. The artifacts, including items from outside Denmark, point to extensive Viking trade routes during the 10th century, with some items originating from Norway and Sweden.
The excavation of the burial site began in April and ended in the same year, with artifacts being sent to Museum Odense for preservation and analysis. Conservator Jannie Amsgaard Ebsen hopes that the soil may contain other organic materials preserved on the artifacts. The discovery of the burial site provides insight into the lives of the people who lived in the area and their interactions with others. The findings help piece together the larger historical puzzle of the Viking era, shedding light on trade, society, and culture during that time.
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