Vikingology Podcast · The Art and Science of the Viking Age

The Art of Viking Death

·1 hr 7 min·1 clip

Vikingology podcast hosts CJ Adrian and Terry Barnes welcome back experimental archaeologists and living historians Kevin and Devin to discuss their new photo book on Viking-age burial practices, published by Hielder Press. The book recreates specific and composite early medieval graves — from shroud burials and casket graves to chamber graves and double burials — using living history participants, period-accurate objects, and hands-on experimental archaeology. The conversation walks through nine grave recreation images, examining the archaeological sources behind each (Gerdrup, Lady of Peel, Birka chamber graves, Icelandic casket burial, Cranmore shroud, and others), and explores interpretive questions around prone vs. supine burial, apotropaic stones, animal sacrifice, inverted weapons, votive offerings, and the difference between punitive and pious burial contexts. Scholars including Leszek Gardela, Neil Price, and Claire Downham are cited. The episode is as much about the humanizing power of experimental archaeology as it is about Viking death.

As heard by us

A careful, tactile discussion of Viking burial posture, chamber graves, and the limits of interpretation.

Vikingology turns Viking burial into a question of space, evidence, and interpretation. CJ Adrian and Terry Barnes welcome back Kevin and Devin, living history experts and experimental archaeologists, for a discussion of their collaborative book and the images around it.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for Viking chamber graves, reconstruction art, and the strange question of why someone might be seated for burial.

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