New research suggests that Viking-era Scandinavians, notorious for their fearless raiding and pillaging, may have been more concerned about alleviating their chronic ear infections or gum disease than flaunting their battle scars. The study, which utilized cutting-edge imaging techniques, found that many Vikings likely suffered from persistent and painful conditions in their heads.

In 2005, archaeologists unearthed the remains of over 300 Vikings in the town of Varnhem, which dated back to between the 10th and 12th centuries. This site is one of Sweden’s earliest Christian settlements, contradicting the common perception that Vikings were predominantly pagans. In reality, almost all Vikings had converted to Christianity by the mid-eleventh century, as evidenced by historical records and supporting research.

To gain a deeper understanding of the living conditions of these individuals, archaeologists selected 15 skulls from people who died between the ages of 20 and 60. They then conducted CT scans, using multiple X-rays to capture detailed images of the inner structures. A team consisting of two radiologists and a dentist examined the images to identify any signs of disease or trauma.

According to Carolina Bertilsson, a dentist and assistant researcher at the University of Gothenburg, who led the study, “There was a significant amount of pathology present in these individuals. While we cannot determine the exact cause, we can see the traces left in the skeletal structures.” The findings were published in the journal BDJ Open.

The research revealed a plethora of painful and persistent conditions, including periapical lesions, a type of bacterial infection at the root of a tooth, found in 12 of the 15 skulls. Ten skulls showed signs of periodontal disease, including bone defects, bone loss, or furcation involvement, an infection that causes a loss of mass in the jaw bone where the roots meet. Other issues found in multiple skulls included poorly healed or malformed jaw bones, and one Viking skull showed signs of hardened tissue near the temporal bone, which may indicate an ear infection that spread.

Surprisingly, despite the lack of modern dental care and toothpaste, which wasn’t invented until hundreds of years later, only six of the Vikings studied were missing teeth before they died.

This study provides a unique glimpse into the everyday life of Vikings 1,000 years ago, a time without modern pain relief medications, antibiotics, or dental care. As Bertilsson noted, infections “could persist for a long time,” making life even more challenging for these individuals.

Bertilsson hopes that other researchers will adopt the non-invasive CT scan technique, which allows for the analysis of human remains without causing damage or degradation. This approach enables scientists to extract valuable information while preserving the integrity of the remains.

Previous research has shown that some Vikings took an interest in their oral health, filing their teeth to points and filling them with pigment. Although this practice may seem unusual by modern standards, it highlights the complexity and diversity of Viking culture.