Archaeologists in Norway have uncovered graves in Fitjar, along the southwest coast, believed to belong to high-status Viking women from 1,200 years ago. Rich artifacts reveal their ties to Europe and their elevated social roles.

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• Artifacts include gilded brooches, a book clasp repurposed as jewelry, and a metal cauldron.
• One grave contained rare Hedeby and Carolingian coins, dated to the early 9th century.
• A necklace of 46 glass beads was found inside a leather pouch.
• Textile production tools like a spindle whorl and wool shears suggest one woman managed farm textile operations.
• Trefoil brooches repurposed from Carolingian sword belts were discovered.
• Some items likely originated in England and Ireland, hinting at Viking trade networks.
• Researchers suspect the graves may be cenotaphs, as no bones were found.
• Rocks shaped like a ship in one grave suggest the farm was a coastal rest stop for maritime travelers.
• The site may have been linked to a local or regional Viking king.
• Ongoing excavations aim to uncover up to 20 graves before potential destruction.