The Vikings up close and personal

A team from the York Archaeological Trust has used pioneering scientific and archaeological research techniques to create the most accurate picture of Viking life ever seen at the Jorvik Viking Centre.

The team studied four skeletons, originally excavated from the Coppergate site on which Jorvik Viking Centre is built, and were able to accurately trace their age, sex and living height.

They also worked with researchers from York University to study residue left on a Viking age pot, and discovered cabbage and animal fat stew were a staple part of their diets.

Sarah Maltby, York Archaeological Trust director of attractions, said: “Archaeological research capabilities have moved on considerably since the original Coppergate excavations took place more than 30 years ago.

“The new exhibition areas mark a shift in how archaeological finds are analysed and the techniques available to researchers.

“We now have a much more accurate and physical image of what Viking life was like, what they ate, what they wore and even what they looked like.”

The new exhibition opens this week.