Norse literature is dense with references to runes, which may have served as magical signs to be used in charms. The ancient stone with the runes highlighted. Photo: National Museum of Denmark.

The ornate object would have been common among vikings before the spread of Christianity, museum officials said. 1,000-year-old viking buckle discovered in Norway, Kulturhistorisk Museum says.

Archaeology & History The 10 Most Astonishing Archaeological Discoveries of 2020, From an Ancient Cat Carving to the Amazon Rock Paintings. Here's what we learned about Vikings, Mongolian women ...

At the Smithsonian | November 30, 2020. Twelve of the World’s Ancient Places . From Smithsonian Books, towering temples, dramatic works of art and early settlements that have stood the test of time ...