Vikings!

In recent years archaeological discoveries have shed new light on the Vikings.

A major exhibition 'Vikings!' (18 January-12 May 2013) at the National Museum of Scotland (its only UK venue) will tell their story through c500 objects, seldom seen outside Scandinavia, from the Historiska Museet in Stockholm. 'Vikings!' explores the perceptions of the Vikings as warriors, explorers, pirates and merchants. It gives fascinating insights into death rituals, the power of mythology and the symbolism of the Viking ships, their crafts and workmanship and also their domestic lives.

Among the objects on display will be textiles, glass, bone, amber, religious artefacts and jewellery and metalwork of astonishing craftsmanship, including a silver necklace in the form of the fertility goddess, Freyja, and a brooch of gold, bronze and garnet.

The book will reflect the new research and showcase many of the amazing objects.