Gokstad burial mound

The Gokstad burial mound is an archaeological site located in the municipality of Sandefjord, Vestfold county, Norway. It is one of the most significant Viking Age finds in Norway and is believed to have been the burial site of a wealthy Viking chieftain.

The burial mound was discovered in 1879 by a farmer who was digging for stones in the area. The excavation that followed was led by Nicolay Nicolaysen, a prominent Norwegian archaeologist, and uncovered a well-preserved Viking ship burial.

The Gokstad ship is a large Viking ship that measures 23.8 meters in length and 5.2 meters in width. It was constructed using overlapping planks of oak and features a large mast and square sail. The ship was also equipped with a number of oars, suggesting that it could be propelled by both wind and rowing.

The ship burial at Gokstad contained a number of valuable and ornate artifacts, including weapons, armor, textiles, jewelry, and household items. Among the most notable finds were a bronze cauldron, a decorated wooden cart, and a sleigh. These artifacts suggest that the individual buried at Gokstad was a high-ranking Viking warrior or chieftain.

The Gokstad ship and its accompanying artifacts are now on display at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, Norway, where they continue to fascinate and inspire visitors with their intricate craftsmanship and rich historical significance.