1000-Year-Old Footprint Found on the Gokstad Ship

Figure 1: The Viking footprint. Photo credit: Hanne Jakobsen & Per Byhring. Source: http://www.archaeology.org/news/880-130517-norway-gokstad-ship-foot-outline

This type of discovery is what I love about archaeology - the chance to discover a personal link with someone from the past! This article was posted in May earlier this year. While examining the Gokstad ship scientists found an outline of a foot that had belonged to someone who lived 1000 years ago. The idea is that the footprint is sort of a signature saying 'I was here'. It is as good an explanation as any, but if you come up with something else, please let us know your thoughts!

The Gokstad ship is one of the three Viking ships that were discovered and excavated in Norway in the 19th  and 20th centuries. These ships are still considered to be some of the most important Viking Age discoveries up to date! More information about the ships can be found on the following webpages:

• The Gokstad Ship: http://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/exhibitions/gokstad/
• The Oseberg Ship: http://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/exhibitions/oseberg/
• The Tune Ship: http://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/exhibitions/tune/

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