Scientists discover 1,000-year-old Viking toolbox from mysterious, ring-shaped fortress in Denmark

A 1000-year-old Viking toolbox has been discovered by scientists inside a mysterious, ring-shaped fortress in Denmark. A set of extraordinary iron tools has been found inside the toolbox. It appears the tools may have been used in making ships, jewellery and houses.

The 10th-century Danish king Harald Bluetooth is believed to have ordered the construction of the fortress. Researchers said now only traces of the wooden chest that once held the tools have remained.

At least 14 iron tools from a gatehouse building of the fortress were excavated by archaeologists. A craftsman lived in a workroom in the gatehouse until it collapsed in the late 10th century, said researchers, adding, the tools may have belonged to him.

Several sophisticated hand tools and other metal items were identified by the researchers.

The tools include a set of 'spoon drills' used to make holes in timber; a pair of tweezers or small pliers; a 'clink nail' used to fasten wooden planks together; four chain links attached to an iron ring; and a drawplate to make metal wires that may have been used in jewellery.

Nanna Holm, a curator at the Danish Castle Centre, who is leading the excavations of the ringed-shaped fort, said that this is the first time that an entire set of tools has been discovered in a Viking workplace.

"Not many tools are found in Scandinavia, but the others found before this have all been left for the gods, by being put down in a swamp," Holm told Live Science.

The newfound tools are special because they were found where the craftsman would have been working, she said.

"That's why it's so exciting for us to see what's inside, because we can see what one man has used at this specific site," Holm added.
The cache of iron tools was first located by amateur archaeologists using a metal detector near the eastern gate of the buried fortress at Borgring.

(With inputs from PTI)