New Study Reveals Hidden Health Struggles of Vikings Using Advanced CT Scans!
A fascinating new study from the University of Gothenburg has uncovered fresh insights into the health of Viking-age people in Sweden. Researchers used advanced CT scans to examine the skulls of 15 individuals from the era, revealing a high prevalence of infections and skeletal diseases that would have made life incredibly challenging.
Vikings and Their Hidden Health Struggles
The study, published in the British Dental Journal Open, focused on adults aged between 20 and 60. The results showed that many suffered from severe dental and maxillofacial issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and deep-rooted infections. Additionally, the scans revealed evidence of sinus infections, ear infections, osteoarthritis, and other skeletal conditions. Without modern medicine, antibiotics, or effective pain relief, these ailments would have caused long-term suffering.
Carolina Bertilsson, the lead researcher and an assistant professor at the University of Gothenburg, highlighted the significance of these findings. She explained: “The results of the study provide a greater understanding of these people’s health and wellbeing. Everyone knows what it’s like to have pain somewhere – it can make you desperate for relief. But back then, they didn’t have the medical or dental care we do today. If you developed an infection, it could linger for a long time.”
Photo Credit: C. Bertilsson et al. BDJ Open (2025)
Building on Previous Research
This study expands on earlier research into the dental health of Viking-age individuals from Varnhem, a historic site in Sweden’s Västergötland province known for its well-preserved ancient graves. While previous studies primarily focused on teeth, this new research took a step further by analysing entire skulls using CT scans. This allowed scientists to identify skeletal changes that may have been overlooked in traditional examinations.
The Power of Non-Invasive CT Imaging
One of the key advantages of this study was its use of CT imaging, which provided a non-invasive way to examine remains while preserving them for future research. “Many modern archaeological methods require removing bone or other tissue for analysis. With CT scanning, we can keep the remains completely intact while still extracting valuable information,” Bertilsson explained.
Through these scans, researchers detected bone alterations linked to chronic infections, including mastoid bone thickening, infection-induced bone deposits, and changes related to long-term sinus infections. Such findings suggest that these health conditions were widespread and persistent in Viking communities.
Photo Credit: C. Bertilsson et al. BDJ Open (2025)
What’s Next for Viking Health Research?
The study was carried out in collaboration with experts in dental radiology and an archaeologist from Västergötlands Museum. Looking ahead, the research team plans to build on these findings by expanding the sample size and comparing results with other Viking-age populations. By continuing to use advanced imaging techniques, they hope to gain an even clearer picture of how disease and infection shaped the lives of the Vikings.
This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the struggles of Viking-age communities but also highlights the importance of non-invasive techniques in studying ancient remains. As scientists continue to piece together the medical history of the past, we gain a deeper appreciation of the challenges our ancestors faced and the resilience they demonstrated in the face of adversity.