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Bioarchaeologists investigate a ninth-century mass grave in a rural English village. Will the remains unlock the mystery of the “Great Heathen Army,” a legendary Viking fighting force that once invaded England?

Bioarchaeologists investigate a 9th-century mass grave thought to hold a lost Viking army.

Lost Viking Army

Lost Viking Army Preview

Archaeologists discovered a mass grave of what they thought to be ninth-century Vikings. But for some reason, the radiocarbon dates of their bones, found by measuring a radioactive carbon isotope, appeared much older.

Hint: Carbon in the ocean is different than carbon on land.

Why Did These Vikings' Bones Appear Older Than They Are?

This Viking’s skeleton, which was buried alongside weapons and horses, was found in 1889. Over a century later, archaeologists still assumed the skeleton was that of a high-status male warrior. But DNA analysis revealed the surprising truth.

DNA evidence reveals surprising truth about the identity of a revered 9th-century Viking.

Who Was This High-Status Viking Warrior?

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Forty years ago, hundreds of skeletons were unearthed in a mass grave in an English village. Bioarchaeologist Cat Jarman believes these bones are the last remains of the “Great Heathen Army,” a legendary Viking fighting force that invaded England in the ninth century and has long been lost to history. Armed with the latest scientific methods, Cat’s team uncovers extraordinary human stories from the front line, including evidence of women fighters and a lost warrior reunited with his son in death. (Premiered May 22, 2019)

Bioarchaeologists investigate a ninth-century mass grave thought to hold a lost Viking army.

Bioarchaeologists investigate a ninth-century mass grave thought to hold a lost Viking army.

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Lost Viking Army

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Explore More

Secrets of the Viking Sword

Why Did These Vikings' Bones Appear Older Than They Are?

Who Was This High-Status Viking Warrior?

Write Your Name in Runes

A new Viking site could rewrite the story of the ‘Great Heathen Army’

Lost Viking Army

Mitochondrial DNA Proves Women Were Instrumental Viking Colonizers

The Volga Trade Route