NTNU University Museum

Archaeological finds unearthed on the fly

What was supposed to be a simple excavation to allow for the expansion of a church cemetery turned into a treasure trove of historic artefacts, including a decorative fitting from a book “imported” by Vikings from Ireland.

Vikings conquer Disney World

Disney World wants to showcase archaeological artefacts from the NTNU University Museum for millions of Florida visitors.

Fly hunter has discovered 30 new species

DNA analysis allows new species to be described all the time. Researcher Xiaolong Lin has recently published a description of eight new non-biting midge species, but has found many more.

Brewing Viking beer — with stones

When archaeologist Geir Grønnesby dug test pits at 24 different farms in central Norway, he nearly always found thick layers of fire-cracked stones dating from the Viking Age and earlier. Long ago, Norwegians brewed beer using stones.

Viking ship

Dressed up with bling stolen in Viking raids

We might not consider it bling, but to the Viking-age woman who wore a fitting from a horse’s harness, it was an exotic piece of jewellery. Never mind that it was stolen from the British Isles during a Viking raid.

Bringing new life to old bones

The NTNU University Museum’s squirrel from 1878 is a youngster compared to the 6600-year-old walrus that was recently dated after 50 years in storage.

The day Atlantic City blew away

Norwegian researchers are working on mapping the geology of Jan Mayen Island, Norway’s most northwesterly territory. In the process, they also found ruins from Atlantic City, an American base from the Second World War.

Jan Mayen’s evolution through ice, fire and water

The isolated Norwegian island of Jan Mayen is located at the junction of two currents. Here, scientists can gain valuable insight into climate change. Take a coffee table tour by scrolling through the picture carousel.

Peat moss – the bane for our existence

Where peat moss takes over in a northern lawn, it strangles almost all of its grassy neighbours. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to take care of peat moss.