The Viking Age, often romanticized as a period of fearless warriors and daring seafarers, may have been significantly less glamorous for those who lived it. New research using advanced imaging techniques reveals that many Vikings likely suffered from persistent and painful head ailments, ranging from ear infections to severe dental problems.
While popular culture often portrays Vikings brandishing battle scars as symbols of strength, the reality may have been far less heroic. A recent study, focusing on the remains of Vikings buried in Varnhem, Sweden, offers a glimpse into the health challenges they faced. This site, dating back to the 10th-12th centuries, represents one of Sweden’s earliest Christian settlements. Contrary to popular belief, most Vikings had converted to Christianity by the mid-eleventh century.
To gain a better understanding of the living conditions of these early Christians, researchers selected 15 skulls from individuals between the ages of 20 and 60. Utilizing CT scans, which employ multiple X-rays to create detailed images of internal structures, the team, comprised of two radiologists and a dentist, examined the skeletal remains.
“There was much to look at. We found many signs of disease in these individuals,” noted Carolina Bertilsson, a dentist and assistant researcher at the University of Gothenburg, who led the research. “Exactly why we don’t know. While soft tissue has long since decomposed, we can still see the traces left in the skeletal structures.”
The findings, published in the journal BDJ Open, paint a picture of widespread dental issues. Of the 15 skulls examined, 12 showed evidence of periapical lesions, bacterial infections at the root of a tooth. Periodontal disease, manifesting in bone defects, bone loss, and even furcation involvement (a severe infection causing jaw bone loss), was identified in ten skulls. Other conditions included poorly healed or malformed jaw bones, and one skull displayed signs of hardened tissue near the temporal bone, suggesting a spread ear infection.
Remarkably, considering the absence of modern dental hygiene practices, only six of the Vikings studied had lost teeth before death. This is particularly surprising given that toothpaste wasn’t invented for centuries.
This study provides valuable insights into the daily lives of Vikings a millennium ago. In a time devoid of pain relievers, antibiotics, or dental care, infections “could stick around for a long time,” Bertilsson explained. These persistent ailments likely caused considerable pain and discomfort, highlighting the harsh realities of life during the Viking Age.
Bertilsson hopes that other researchers will adopt this non-invasive CT scanning technique, preserving the integrity of the remains while extracting valuable information. “Very many of today’s archaeological methods are invasive, with the need to remove bone or other tissue for analysis,” she stated. “This way, we can keep the remains completely intact yet still extract a great deal of information.”
Previous research has revealed that some Vikings practiced dental modifications, filing their teeth to points and filling them with pigments. While visually striking, these practices were likely not conducive to oral health.
In conclusion, while the image of the fierce Viking warrior remains a powerful cultural symbol, this research underscores the less glamorous aspects of their lives. The prevalence of dental and ear infections suggests that chronic pain and discomfort were likely common experiences, offering a more nuanced understanding of life in the Viking Age.
