The Vikings were an ancient people who lived on the Scandinavian Peninsula, which includes present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, from around the 8th to the 11th century.
The famous Viking warriors set sail, waging battles across Europe and the North Atlantic.
Many Viking men had horizontal grooves on their upper front teeth.
Through their conquests, the Vikings looted wealth, food, livestock, and more. Wherever they went, they instilled terror in local populations due to their fierce nature and fearlessness in confronting enemies.
In recent years, researchers have excavated hundreds of Viking male skeletons from ancient cemeteries in Sweden. By studying these ancient remains, experts discovered that many Viking men had horizontal grooves on their upper front teeth.
According to researchers, these grooves were cut deeply into the enamel. Some individuals had two deep cuts in their enamel, while others had as many as three meticulously crafted grooves.
Researchers suggest that these grooves may have signified social status or military rank, or even demonstrated the individual’s ability to endure pain, intimidating foes.
Most skeletons with horizontal grooves on the upper front teeth belonged to relatively young men.
Due to the detailed nature of the grooves on the upper front teeth, scientists speculate that they were created by skilled artisans. They may have used special tools to produce such intricate “products.”
Studies indicate that the Vikings practiced the “tradition” of creating horizontal grooves on their upper front teeth since the 10th century. Notably, the grooves on each individual were unique. Currently, researchers have not been able to determine the exact purpose behind the Viking practice of tooth filing.
