41). Runic inscriptions have provided much of the insight into the lives of Viking women that is possessed by historians today. Runes demonstrated that inscriptions placed upon artisanal objects to indicate creation were applied exclusively by men, indicating that men alone were tasked with the creation of such objects. The roles of women based upon this archeological evidence were thereby largely domestic (Jesch, 1991). The role of women in Viking society was determined largely by the demands of the time, with the lifestyle resulting in their role being largely domestic and concerned with the upkeep of the home, even in the case of wealthy women who would otherwise be expected to be pampered. .
The Royal Burial Mound in Osberg.
To determine the role and treatment of women in the Viking society of Scandinavia in the 9th century, it is necessary to consider archeological research conducted in the area. The study of a royal mound of Oseberg, in southeastern Norway, demonstrates the status that women had achieved during Viking Age Scandinavia. This particular ruin is noted for demonstrating the pinnacle status achieved by women in this society. As will be explored, the burial included the body of two women, likely regal, and the contents they were provided with demonstrate the position and roles of women held within the Scandinavian Viking society of the time (Jesch, 1991). The use of historical sites such as archeological digs demonstrate the treatment afforded to women during the Viking era, and the role that they held within the scope of greater society, as demarcated by their treatment in the burial mound.
The burial ship of a Viking was found within Oseberg that was especially well preserved. It has been buried beneath moist blue clay for over a thousand years, with the result of the storage being nearly a hermetic seal. The contents of the ship were thereby maintained significantly better than would normally have been the case.
