The Viking sword discovered by goose hunters last weekend was found just in time. Now, the site where they found it is completely inundated, due to a glacial outburst flood in Skaftá river, RÚV reports.
The sword was X-rayed yesterday, Vísir reports, revealing that it is of a so-called type Q and likely made sometime between 950 and 1000. The sword is decorated with a pattern which runs down the center from the guard to the point.
Kristín Huld Sigurðardóttir, head of the Cultural Heritage Agency of Iceland calls the sword among the top ten archaeological finds in Iceland in recent years.
“So few swords have been discovered here, and, therefore, this is such a treasure for the nation’s history.” Just over 20 swords and sword pieces have been found in Iceland.
Kristín believes the sword was covered by lava in 1783, but came loose last year during the large glacial outburst flood in Skaftá river. It’s in good condition, and only the tip is broken off. “Therefore,” Kristín stated, “it’s a very valuable sword.”
