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Antiquities Board plans publications on unknown medieval swordsman

The field services unit of Finland’s Board of Antiquities is planning to publish a series of works shedding new light on an ancient swordsman unearthed in southern Finland last autumn. The extraordinary find has lured researchers from far and wide – including from abroad.

Haudasta löytyi päällekkäin asetettuna lähes 120 cm pitkä ristiretkiaikainen ja viikinkiaikainen miekka
Haudasta löytyi päällekkäin asetettuna lähes 120 cm pitkä ristiretkiaikainen (vas.) ja viikinkiaikainen miekka Image: Janne Rantanen / Museovirasto / Yle

Archaeologists of the academic and armchair varieties can look forward to a slew of new information about an unknown medieval swordsman exhumed from Janakkala in Hämeenlinna, southern Finland last November.

Officials from Finland's Board of Antiquities say they plan to compile a series providing deeper information on the ancient warrior and the two swords found in his grave.

"A body buried with swords from two different eras has sparked widespread interest in the scientific world," said researcher Simo Vanhatalo of the Antiquities Board. Officials have had to field a number of enquiries about the find including many from outside Finland, he added.

The Board of Antiquities is currently looking for a partner to conduct additional research, such as performing DNA tests to establish the swordsman’s origins. Analysis of the grave may also yield valuable information about prehistoric and crusade-era burial rituals.

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