Archaeologists from the University of Stavanger have uncovered an incredible Viking treasure on a mountainside in Årdal, Hjelmeland municipality. Buried for over 1,000 years, the hoard consists of four intricately designed silver bracelets dating back to the 9th century. This discovery promises to shed new light on Viking society and its relationship with silver, which was highly prized in their culture. Found completely intact and in its original location, the treasure represents a rare and significant find in the field of Viking archaeology. Uncovering Hidden Viking Wealth The discovery announced by the University of Stavanger was made during an excavation on the farm of Tårn Sigve Schmidt, who planned to build a new road across his property. To ensure no archaeological material would be disturbed, field archaeologists Mari Krogstad Samuelsen and Ola Tengesdal Lygre were called in to conduct a survey, financed by the National Antiquities Agency. While digging about 20 cm (8 inches) into the earth, Lygre initially mistook the bracelets for old copper wires—a common find in farm fields. Upon realizing they were silver, the team quickly recognized the significance of their discovery. "When I saw that there were several lying next to each other and that they were not copper at all, but silver, I realized that we had found something exciting," Lygre remarked. Read moreSection: ArtifactsAncient TechnologyNewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later