When were the Salme ships discovered near Saaremaa island?
The first shipwreck was revealed during earth removal for infrastructure work in 2008. The second vessel emerged two years later during similar construction efforts in 2010.
Questions about Salme ships
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the estimated age of the Salme ships found in Estonia?
Archaeologists date the construction of these vessels to between AD 650 and 700. This makes them the oldest known sail-equipped vessels found in the Baltic Sea region.
Who are the individuals buried inside the Salme ships?
Skeletal remains from at least 42 individuals were recovered from the two burial sites. Most belonged to men aged 30 to 40 who died violently in battle and originated from central Sweden.
How many weapons and artifacts were found with the Salme ships?
Fragments of over 40 swords, shield remains, spearheads, and dozens of arrowheads littered the burial chambers. Smaller artifacts included a socketed axe, knives, whetstones, and a bone comb with intricate ornaments.
Why did the Scandinavian raiders bury their ships near Saaremaa island?
Lead archaeologist Jüri Peets proposed that Scandinavian raiders attacked Oeselian ships near Saaremaa and grounded their vessels to defend themselves behind the hulls after losing many oarsmen. Later analysis suggested the trip might have been diplomatic rather than purely military given the presence of nobles and hunting birds.
Which historical texts mention King Ingvar Harra in relation to the Salme ships location?
Snorri Sturluson wrote about King Ingvar Harra patrolling shores while fighting Danes and Estonians in his Ynglinga saga. Historia Norwegiæ states Ingvar died while campaigning on an island called Eysysla in the Baltic Sea which corresponds to modern Saaremaa.