Sweden’s Viking Age population, much like other ancient societies, faced a myriad of health challenges, including severe oral and maxillofacial diseases, sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and other ailments. This insight comes from a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg, who employed cutting-edge X-ray techniques to examine Viking skulls, shedding light on the health conditions of this ancient population.
The study, which builds upon earlier research from about a year ago, delves deeper into the health of people from the Viking Age in the Swedish province of Västergötland, specifically in the area of Varnhem. Varnhem is an archaeological site known for its well-preserved graves and ancient skeletons, providing a unique opportunity to study the health of people who lived between 800-1050 AD.
A Leap Forward: From Teeth to Full Skulls
In the previous study, researchers focused on the examination of Viking teeth found in the Varnhem region, revealing that many of the population suffered from dental issues such as decay and abscesses. However, the new phase of research, led by Carolina Bertilsson, an assistant researcher at the University of Gothenburg and a dentist within Sweden’s Public Dental Service, expands the scope of analysis to entire skulls, rather than just teeth.
By employing modern computed tomography (CT) scans, researchers were able to gather detailed, three-dimensional images of the skulls, enabling them to study the bone structures layer by layer. This non-invasive imaging method provides a far more comprehensive view of the conditions that may have affected the Viking Age population, offering deeper insights into their health.
The study, published in BDJ Open, highlights the range of health issues these individuals endured. Fifteen Viking skulls were examined, revealing significant evidence of pathological bone growths in both the cranium and jawbones, which suggest the presence of long-standing infections and other conditions.
Infections, Osteoarthritis, and Dental Diseases
Several of the skulls showed evidence of sinus infections and ear infections, with traces left in the adjacent bone structures. These infections, which could have been chronic or severe, would have caused significant discomfort, if not more serious health complications, especially considering the limited medical care available during the Viking Age.
Additionally, signs of osteoarthritis were observed in the skulls, showing wear and tear on the bones that could have resulted from physical labor, heavy lifting, or possibly even injuries sustained during combat, as the Vikings were known for their warrior culture. The presence of dental diseases, including decay and abscesses, was also widespread, as dental hygiene and access to modern treatments were virtually nonexistent during that era.
It is important to note that all of the individuals whose skulls were analyzed were adults who had died between the ages of 20 and 60, indicating that despite their relatively young age, many had already suffered from chronic illnesses or conditions that may have limited their quality of life.
Unveiling Viking Health
The findings of the study, although preliminary, offer valuable insight into the health and living conditions of the Viking Age population in Sweden. According to Bertilsson, the study provides a greater understanding of the hardships these people faced in terms of health and medical care.
“There was much to look at. We found many signs of disease in these individuals. Exactly why we don’t know. While we can’t study the damage in the soft tissue because it’s no longer there, we can see the traces left in the skeletal structures,” Bertilsson explained. She emphasized the challenges the Vikings would have faced in treating these ailments. Without modern medicine, pain relief, and antibiotics, even common infections could have persisted for long periods and potentially led to severe complications or death.
The study highlights the profound difference between the healthcare available today and the medieval treatments that would have been available during the Viking Age. Pain management and treatments for infections were limited, and medical knowledge was rudimentary at best. As a result, these ancient people lived with chronic pain and illness, often suffering without the means to properly heal or manage their conditions.
A Pilot Study with Far-Reaching Implications
The research is described as a pilot study, a preliminary effort to explore the potential of CT scans as a tool for studying ancient populations. One of the key benefits of this method is its non-invasive nature. Unlike many traditional archaeological techniques, which require the removal of bone or other tissue for analysis, CT scans allow researchers to preserve the integrity of the skeletal remains while still extracting valuable information.
This ability to examine the entire skull in detail without damaging the bones opens up new possibilities for studying ancient populations in the future. It also reduces the need for more invasive techniques that can permanently alter or damage the remains of these ancient individuals.
Bertilsson expressed hope that this study will pave the way for more extensive research into the health of ancient populations, not just from the Viking Age but from other time periods as well. “Very many of today’s archaeological methods are invasive, with the need to remove bone or other tissue for analysis. This way, we can keep the remains completely intact yet still extract a great deal of information,” she noted.
The use of CT scans could become a powerful tool in the field of bioarchaeology, offering a deeper understanding of the health, lifestyle, and diseases faced by ancient people. By examining skulls and bones in this detailed way, researchers can begin to piece together a clearer picture of the struggles and challenges faced by those who lived long before the advent of modern medicine.
Implications for the Understanding of Viking Society
These findings also provide a window into the lives of the Viking Age people, who have long been romanticized in popular culture as strong, warrior-like individuals. While it is true that the Vikings were known for their seafaring and military prowess, the reality of their daily lives may have been far more challenging and marked by widespread disease, injury, and suffering.
The study shows that despite their toughness, these people faced the same sorts of health challenges that many societies face even today—infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and the consequences of physical labor. The lack of medical care and the harsh living conditions would have significantly impacted their overall well-being.
By understanding the health challenges faced by the Viking Age population, researchers gain insight not only into the physical hardships of the time but also into the broader social structures and cultural practices of Viking society. The prevalence of dental disease, for example, may indicate dietary habits or social inequalities, while the signs of arthritis may reveal information about the laborious lifestyles of the Vikings.
Conclusion
The study conducted by the University of Gothenburg is a significant step forward in our understanding of the health and well-being of the Viking Age population in Sweden. Using CT scans to examine Viking skulls has provided new insights into the infections, diseases, and physical ailments faced by these ancient individuals.
The research opens the door for more in-depth studies of ancient populations, offering a non-invasive way to study skeletal remains and gain a greater understanding of life during the Viking Age. As this method continues to be refined, it could play a crucial role in uncovering the mysteries of ancient societies and furthering our knowledge of human history.
While the Vikings are often celebrated for their courage and conquests, this study reminds us that, like all societies, they too had to endure significant challenges related to health and survival. Their struggles with disease, infection, and pain provide a more nuanced picture of Viking life—one that includes not only the glory of battle but also the everyday hardships faced by the people who lived during this fascinating period of history.
More information: Carolina Bertilsson et al, Findings from computed tomography examinations of Viking age skulls, BDJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41405-025-00309-9