The grave, known to archaeologists as Bj 581, was first excavated in Birka, Sweden, in 1871. For more than a century, the wealth of weapons—including a sword, axe, and armor-piercing arrows—led experts to assume the occupant was a male warrior. This view was so entrenched that even when an osteological analysis in 2014 suggested the bones might be female, the finding was met with significant skepticism. It took a conclusive DNA study to finally confirm the warrior was biologically female. While

78 reactions · 27 shares | "The most significant Viking grave ever found." Don't miss the premiere of "Viking Warrior Queen" Tuesday July 7 at 8/7c. | Secrets of the Dead | Facebook

The Gokstad Ship: a formidable Viking grave for a powerful man. Join Professor of Archaeology Jan Bill for a history lesson on this historic day, as we move the iconic Gokstad Ship to the new museum. Safeguarding this treasure for the future. | Vikingtidsmuseet