Viking – One of the most aggressive and brutal tribes in human history turned out to also use female warriors.
Late VIII – mid 11th century, Vikings were a terror in the coastal regions of Northern and Eastern Europe. History refers to them as pirates, but as “robber warriors”. Skillful, fierce, and barbaric, that army attacked coastal villages and monasteries, and robbed many gold and silver jewels and beautiful young women.
Because of fear, there were many rumors about this army that were circulated in folklore, including that the Vikings possessed extremely formidable female warriors, along with men sweeping throughout the wars. school. However, due to the lack of evidence, this information was denied by many people.
And it is not until now, for the first time in history, that the scientific community has officially confirmed the existence of female Viking warriors, with DNA samples in a tomb from the 10th century. They also have large stature, and can hold very high positions in the tribe.
“This is the first genetic evidence confirming the existence of female Viking warriors,” – quoted Professor Mattias Jakobsson from Uppsala University (Sweden).
Specifically, these bone samples were excavated from the 1880s. When analyzing the DNA samples, Jakobsson found that the person buried inside had only 2 X chromosomes and no Y chromosome. And even though she was female, this person was buried with weapons – including swords and bows – and set of 2 horses. This means that this person is a warrior, even having a huge role in the tribe.
“The burial items show that she had a very high position in the tribe – be it giving strategy, or leading troops into the battlefield,” said Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson from Stockholm University.
“She died in her 30s, and seems very tall – at least 1.7m,” – she added.
According to Charlote, the cause of death of this character has not been clarified, because there are no signs of injury in the remains. Crucially, however, the study puts an end to a question that has puzzled scientists for centuries: Are there female Viking warriors?