'Viking Sword' Sleeping for 1000 Years at the Bottom of a Polish River... Discovered in Perfect Condition

Discovered During Harbor Dredging... "Excellent Preservation Condition"
10th Century Viking Sword, High Historical Value

An ancient Viking 'legendary sword' that had been lying on the bottom of a Polish river for over 1,000 years has been discovered in remarkably well-preserved condition, drawing attention. It is the ‘Ulfberht’ sword, considered one of the greatest swords in history and regarded as the most valuable among so-called ‘Viking swords.’ On the 18th (local time), the British Daily Mail reported, "A Viking sword was found almost perfectly preserved at the bottom of the Vistula River in Wrocław, central Poland."

[Image source=Facebook capture of the Torun Cultural Heritage Authority, Poland]

Local workers discovered the sword during port dredging operations. Although sediment had accumulated and darkened its surface somewhat, the condition was surprisingly good. According to analysis by a research team from Nicolaus Copernicus University, the sword was identified as a Viking sword made before 950 AD. The team stated, “It is astonishing that it has been preserved in excellent condition despite being buried in mud for over 1,000 years.”

Notably, this period predates the time when the Piast dynasty, Poland’s first historical ruling dynasty, is known to have settled and begun ruling the region, giving the sword significant importance for Poland. Authorities are examining whether this sword can serve as historical evidence of Poland’s independent national status formation.

[Image source=Captured from the Facebook page of the Torun Cultural Heritage Authority, Poland]

The sword was identified as an ‘Ulfberht’ sword, one of the Viking swords widely used by Vikings in the past. The Daily Mail described the ‘Ulfberht’ sword as “one of the greatest swords in history, favored by Viking warriors for its strength and flexibility.” Approximately 170 such swords have been found across Europe to date.

During the Viking era, free men were required to own their own weapons. Since swords were expensive to produce, they also served as symbols of status. In particular, the Ulfberht sword is known for its high carbon content and metal purity, which has reportedly baffled modern archaeologists.