X-ray, of sword fragments

This picture shows an x-ray of the pommel and hilt of an iron and bronze sword found on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, probably with a spear and whetstone. They are probably grave goods from a tenth century Scandinavian burial.

The sword was an expensive object, though sadly decayed now. The x-rays show that silver wires were twisted through the fingers of the pommel.

Warriors were important people in Viking society. They could show off status by the quantity and quality of their weapons. A sword such as this one belonged to a wealthy man able to decorate its hilt with precious metal.

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