Birka Crucifix, Bronze

Reproduction of a Viking Age crucifix found in Birka, Sweden. It was found in the grave of rich woman who lived in the 800s. The exact same design has surfaced elsewhere as well, such as in Ketting and Nyborg in Denmark. The original find can be found in the Swedish History Museum under inventory no. SHM108914

The conversion to Christianity of the Scandinavian people took place during the Viking Age. The change was propelled forth by Viking kings who saw a political benefit from the new faith. Archaeological finds suggest that the two faiths co-existed for centuries. Contrary to popular belief, many raiding Vikings were Christian by the end of the Viking Age, since raiding was about business - not faith.