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Melissa's Medieval History Blog

By Melissa Snell, About.com Guide to Medieval History since 1997

Viking board game found in boat grave

Monday June 30, 2008
Did the Vikings believe their dead played games on their voyage to the afterlife? That's what Dr. Howard Williams from the University of Chester stated when commenting on the recent discovery of 23 rare amber gaming pieces in a boat grave. An archaeological team excavated the grave, dating back to the 9th century, at Skamby in Ostergotland, in South Sweden. Find out more in the item by Mohit Joshi at Top News.

Scandinavians were were known to play board games and engage in other hobbies to while away the long winters. Find out more about Viking Life and Society in these resources compiled by your Guide.

Comments

July 13, 2008 at 4:20 pm
(1) Judy says:

In 1972 the fateful Chess Championship took place in Reykjavik. I thought chess may be more popular in countries like Iceland with its winter darkness. Now I see a comprehensive historical context for this.

Thank you for the article.

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