Recent excavations at a medieval Christian cemetery in Aarhus, Denmark, have yielded a remarkable discovery: 77 skeletons dating back approximately 900 years. These burials, unearthed ahead of construction work near St. Olaf’s Church, provide a unique window into the lives, illnesses, and beliefs of some of the city’s earliest Christian inhabitants, and illuminate a critical period of cultural transition in Denmark.
A Site of Historical Significance
The excavations focused on a portion of the cemetery surrounding Sankt Olufs Kirke (St. Olaf’s Church), a location recognized as one of the oldest Christian sites in Aarhus. The church itself was built in the 12th century and named after Olav Haraldsson, an 11th-century Norwegian king who converted from paganism to Christianity, eventually becoming a saint. The discovery is particularly significant because it documents the growth of Christianity in Denmark following the decline of Norse paganism and the conclusion of the Viking Age in 1066. Researchers believe far more skeletons may lie beneath nearby modern streets and buildings, significantly expanding the scope of this historical snapshot.
Cultural Shifts: Christianity Takes Root
Historically, Norse pagan cemeteries were typically located far from settlements. However, early Christians sought burial grounds on what they considered “sacred ground,” like a church, reflecting the growing importance of religious institutions. This desire for proximity is evident at the St. Olaf’s site, with burials situated close to the heart of Aarhus.
Distinct Burial Practices Reveal Beliefs
The newly discovered burials exhibit characteristics typical of early Christian practices, further confirming the site’s Christian identity. The skeletons were positioned with their heads oriented to the west and their feet to the east — a common arrangement in early Christian burials. This orientation was believed to ensure the deceased could witness the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, anticipated to occur in the east, towards Jerusalem and the rising sun.
A Blend of Old and New Beliefs
While the burials clearly point to Christian faith, researchers suspect that many Danes at the time likely retained some Norse pagan beliefs alongside their Christian practices. As archaeologist Mads Ravn explained, these early converts may have been “a bit opportunist,” sometimes incorporating Norse traditions as a safeguard. While amulets shaped like Thor’s hammer, a protective symbol of the Norse god Thor, have been found in other Norse Christian burials, they were absent from the St. Olaf’s site.
Royal Conversion and Lingering Traditions
The excavations provide context to a broader historical narrative. Viking Age Danish king Harald Bluetooth, who ruled from approximately A.D. 958 to 986, famously claimed to have converted the Danes to Christianity, a statement recorded on the Jelling stones around A.D. 965. However, even Harald himself employed a völva, a type of Norse shaman, showcasing a period of religious fluidity and the enduring influence of older beliefs. As Ravn notes, these early adopters of Christianity were “betting on both” belief systems.
The discovery of these 900-year-old burials offers a rare opportunity to understand a pivotal moment in Danish history, one characterized by the transition from Norse paganism to Christianity. The unearthed skeletons and their associated burial practices provide invaluable insights into the lives, health, and evolving religious landscape of early Aarhusians, demonstrating a period where new faith intertwined with enduring traditions.
