1200-Year-Old Viking Grave Discovered with 'Treasure' and Bizarre Ritual

• A 1200-year-old Viking-era grave of a woman was found in Bjugn, Norway, containing 'treasure' and precious jewelry.
• The discovery began with Røy Sørreng finding an 8th or 9th-century oval brooch using a metal detector.
• Archaeologists from NTNU found scallop shells mysteriously placed on both sides of the woman's mouth, a ritual never before recorded in Viking history.
• The woman's traditional attire and jewelry suggest she was an independent, high-status individual.
• Scientists are investigating the purpose of the shells, with theories ranging from incantations to soul restraint; DNA and carbon dating tests are underway.

Why It Matters: A 1200-year-old Viking grave in Norway reveals a unique burial ritual, baffling archaeologists.