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The Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior
How many female Viking warriors does it take to make a fact?
When archaeologist Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson discovers that the bones contained in the most significant Viking warrior grave ever opened are, in fact, female, she and her team upend centuries of historically accepted conclusions and ignite a furious debate around the reality of female Viking warriors and the role of gender in both ancient and modern times.
In The Bones of Birka, author C. M. Surrisi introduces young readers to the events that led up to this discovery and the impact it has had on scientists’ and historians’ views of gender roles in ancient societies and today. This is the inside account of the Birka warrior grave Bj 581 archaeological endeavor, including all of the dreams, setbacks, frustrations, excitement, politics, and personalities that went into this history-changing discovery.
The finding has raised crucial questions about research bias, academic dialogue, and gender identity.
When archaeologist Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson discovers that the bones contained in the most significant Viking warrior grave ever opened are, in fact, female, she and her team upend centuries of historically accepted conclusions and ignite a furious debate around the reality of female Viking warriors and the role of gender in both ancient and modern times.
In The Bones of Birka, author C. M. Surrisi introduces young readers to the events that led up to this discovery and the impact it has had on scientists’ and historians’ views of gender roles in ancient societies and today. This is the inside account of the Birka warrior grave Bj 581 archaeological endeavor, including all of the dreams, setbacks, frustrations, excitement, politics, and personalities that went into this history-changing discovery.
The finding has raised crucial questions about research bias, academic dialogue, and gender identity.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 18, 2023
About the author
C.M. Surrisi
7 books29 followersC. M. Surrisi has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Along with her husband, two dogs, and a cat, she lives in Asheville, NC. Visit her online at her Facebook page: C. M. Surrisi.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 22, 2024
The Bones of Birka: Unraveling the Mystery of a Female Viking Warrior by C.M. Surrisi is a piece of YA nonfiction I've been eyeing for a little while and I'm glad I finally decided to pick it up because it's fascinating. It's very readable and well researched. The author does a great job of challenging traditional ideas about Vikings and gender. I might have to try more from this author in the future. If you're at all interested in Vikings, you can't miss this!
May 7, 2023
This was a well researched book that young people could understand. Modern day researchers need to think outside of the typical gender role stereotypes we view today when studying the past. In this case, an archeologist that gendered artifacts in the late 1800s missed that the Viking skeletal remains found, with a plethora of weapons, were of a human of the female sex.
May 8, 2023
Worth reading, this book “The Bones of Birka”
As an avid young reader of the nordic sagas and history of the Vikings, and later the Normans, I have found this book not only fascinating historically, bringing back memories but also bringing up many thoughts about these sagas that make me rethink my youthful assessment of Vikings’ history.
Surrisi puts a spin on the traditional perception of Vikings’ warriors (and other cultures’ warriors) being male and made me re-think all that had to do with gender, biological sex and all that is linked to it. It is a great experience to begin thinking off the beaten path. And it is good to re-evaluate our own open-mindedness, and put it to action in discovering a part of history history I thought I was familiar with. Much to be learned yet!
Thank you C. M. Surrisi.
As an avid young reader of the nordic sagas and history of the Vikings, and later the Normans, I have found this book not only fascinating historically, bringing back memories but also bringing up many thoughts about these sagas that make me rethink my youthful assessment of Vikings’ history.
Surrisi puts a spin on the traditional perception of Vikings’ warriors (and other cultures’ warriors) being male and made me re-think all that had to do with gender, biological sex and all that is linked to it. It is a great experience to begin thinking off the beaten path. And it is good to re-evaluate our own open-mindedness, and put it to action in discovering a part of history history I thought I was familiar with. Much to be learned yet!
Thank you C. M. Surrisi.
May 4, 2023
I’m a Science and Anthropology geek but I learned a great deal from reading this book. Not only the methods of determining the sex and status of the warrior but the cultural aspects were mostly new to me. A fascinating read!
November 6, 2022
The discovery of an unusual Viking grave is where this fascinating, highly-readable book starts. Surrisi does a magnificent job not only of explaining the science of archaeology to young people, but also engaging with the mystery of the gender of the person found in the grave. With helpful photos, drawings, and other visuals, Surrisi explains in accessible language how scientists began to realize that the warrior in the grave was likely female. This upends centuries of assumptions about Viking culture and lifeways. Surrisi's book will appeal to kids interested in Vikings, archaeology, and forensics, among other areas. A great and enlightening read.
October 1, 2023
C. M. Surrisi’s The Bones of Birka skillfully tells the story of what happened long after a warrior was laid to rest in the ancient and later abandoned Viking town of Birka. The author opens with the 1871 discovery of the human skeleton, weapons, rich clothing, and the remains of not one, but two horses. The discoverer, a Swedish entomologist looking for insect fossils, knew he had found a warrior of high esteem—assumed to be a male, of course. That assumption stood unchallenged for well over a century, until a new analysis, including DNA evidence, revealed shocking news—the bones were from a female. An esteemed female warrior from early Viking civilization? Impossible, cried some. But there is scientific proof, responded others. The debate began.
Surrisi’s blend of mystery, history, scientific dispute, and, of course, Viking warriors, will appeal to YA readers of all types. And readers of all ages will come away rethinking, not just our understanding of Vikings, but of gender roles throughout the centuries.
Stranded for most of a day at the Philadelphia airport, along with hundreds of other passengers, I opened The Bones for Birka and was carried into history, archeology, mystery, gender roles, research, scientific debate, and the Vikings. Pausing only for coffee and hourly airline updates (“It shouldn’t be long now!”), I read it cover to cover. And enjoyed every minute.
I have ancestral ties to the Vikings and had the opportunity to attend a launch event for The Bones of Birka, including having the great honor of meeting two of the archaeologists featured in the book, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and Neil Price. But you don’t need Scandinavian heritage to savor and appreciate The Bones of Birka!
Surrisi’s blend of mystery, history, scientific dispute, and, of course, Viking warriors, will appeal to YA readers of all types. And readers of all ages will come away rethinking, not just our understanding of Vikings, but of gender roles throughout the centuries.
Stranded for most of a day at the Philadelphia airport, along with hundreds of other passengers, I opened The Bones for Birka and was carried into history, archeology, mystery, gender roles, research, scientific debate, and the Vikings. Pausing only for coffee and hourly airline updates (“It shouldn’t be long now!”), I read it cover to cover. And enjoyed every minute.
I have ancestral ties to the Vikings and had the opportunity to attend a launch event for The Bones of Birka, including having the great honor of meeting two of the archaeologists featured in the book, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson and Neil Price. But you don’t need Scandinavian heritage to savor and appreciate The Bones of Birka!
July 23, 2023
Super fascinating! It takes a specific topic, Viking burials, and creates a whole book around understanding burial rights, Viking history (and myth), and the advances in science.
An excavation revealed this crypt that included two horses and a person with a lot of tools, war items, and a version of chess. The guy that discovered it in this area was super intrigued by what he found and began the careful itemization and excavation. A lot to digest and unwrap. And ultimately what is still discussed and debated is that the remains were likely of a woman and what her status was in the community.
The mashup of science and history, in addition to the storytelling in a narrative nonfiction style fascinates a younger audience.
Selfishly, I was pulled in because I was a Vikings on History channel fan, knowing that with the truth there was a lot of embellishment, so I'm always interested in knowing more of the truth, or what we can approximate.
An excavation revealed this crypt that included two horses and a person with a lot of tools, war items, and a version of chess. The guy that discovered it in this area was super intrigued by what he found and began the careful itemization and excavation. A lot to digest and unwrap. And ultimately what is still discussed and debated is that the remains were likely of a woman and what her status was in the community.
The mashup of science and history, in addition to the storytelling in a narrative nonfiction style fascinates a younger audience.
Selfishly, I was pulled in because I was a Vikings on History channel fan, knowing that with the truth there was a lot of embellishment, so I'm always interested in knowing more of the truth, or what we can approximate.
September 5, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this, even though I'm considerably older than the perceived target audience. Learnt many new concepts and filled in gaps in my passing knowledge on many aspects of the Viking Age.
A good introduction to the disciplines of archaeology, osteology and gender studies as well as the historical and literary context that is sure to spark interest. Very interesting to get a sneak peek at the academic discussion process which is normally undertaken in conferences and papers that most of the general public aren't aware of or don't have access to. I can appreciate the amount of research that went into this book.
It's a compelling exploration taking in the Viking Age, Victorian Sweden and the Modern Day that poses questions just as relevant today as over a 1,000 years ago. Highly recommended.
A good introduction to the disciplines of archaeology, osteology and gender studies as well as the historical and literary context that is sure to spark interest. Very interesting to get a sneak peek at the academic discussion process which is normally undertaken in conferences and papers that most of the general public aren't aware of or don't have access to. I can appreciate the amount of research that went into this book.
It's a compelling exploration taking in the Viking Age, Victorian Sweden and the Modern Day that poses questions just as relevant today as over a 1,000 years ago. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2023
I found this book excellent, well researched, and comprehensive. The author does an amazing job of telling the story of a woman who lived over one thousand years ago but still causes arguments today.
The bones were found in the 1800's and were classified as male because of the extensive array of weapons found in the grave with her. When tested for DNA, it was discovered that she was female. Then the argument was made that there must have been another skeleton in the grave (no proof of that has been found) or that the bones were mixed up (no). This was a book for the non-scientist. You don't get mired down into "science speak" and each element is well explained.
The bones were found in the 1800's and were classified as male because of the extensive array of weapons found in the grave with her. When tested for DNA, it was discovered that she was female. Then the argument was made that there must have been another skeleton in the grave (no proof of that has been found) or that the bones were mixed up (no). This was a book for the non-scientist. You don't get mired down into "science speak" and each element is well explained.
March 12, 2024
A warrior's grave was discovered long ago on a Scandinavian island. It was always thought that the bones belonged to a Viking male. But as new scientific methods have come into play, scientists learned that the bones belonged to a woman. At first, this did not cause much of a stir but then it became *big news* and caused much consternation and people said that obviously she could not have been a warrior then even though there was no dispute about it being a warrior's grave before that time. Although it is a really intriguing discovery and topic, the actual writing is quite dry.
April 5, 2024
Journalistic account of a controversial archaeological discovery and improvements to the scientific practice of archaeology by incorporating methodology, natural science, and geology. This volume also describes the science of osteology, or study of bones, and how scientists verify their discoveries. This volume incorporates Viking lore, the science and evolution of the study of archaeology, as well as women's roles in the scientific community and in the historical record. This is an accessible study of gender norms and assumptions about gender roles.
September 13, 2023
Dive into the world of the Vikings as never before. Many historians are aware that women would also be warriors but finding an actual gravesight, and understanding many of the complexities around it are rare.
This book was fantastic! I enjoyed reading through it, and learning a bit more about the culture, and the different aspects in determing the sex of bones, and burial practices of a bygone time.
This book was fantastic! I enjoyed reading through it, and learning a bit more about the culture, and the different aspects in determing the sex of bones, and burial practices of a bygone time.
June 27, 2024
In the spirit of an earlier book I read, The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women
by Nancy Marie Brown, this work provides a thorough introduction to the person discussed in the earlier book I read along with nuanced discussion of the influence and evolution of culture and sexism on archaeology.
If you don't want to read the longer tome, then this is a valuable alternative, but better yet, read both of them.
by Nancy Marie Brown, this work provides a thorough introduction to the person discussed in the earlier book I read along with nuanced discussion of the influence and evolution of culture and sexism on archaeology.
If you don't want to read the longer tome, then this is a valuable alternative, but better yet, read both of them.
March 8, 2023
Extremely interesting. Excellent research. Particularly intriguing analysis of the interaction of multiple disciplines in the study of Viking history and culture. So many influences are at play when we try to imagine a person who lived 1000 years ago. This books offers many doors into a discussion of the topics of archaeology, history, gender studies and academic and peer review.
January 2, 2024
A fascinating read! I learned so much about so many things reading this book. It transported me back to the Viking age, introduced me to the complex world of archeology, and kept me thinking about gender identity. Definitely a book I will be revisiting again and again to take it all in. So well written, informative, and entertaining!
June 10, 2024
Really fascinating study of a female Viking Warrior... until they started talking about whether or not she was transgender... Stop applying today's crazy ideologies to history. It doesn't work! The bones/DNA test show that the person was female. Is it really too hard to believe that there might have been a regular female warrior without adding woke agenda?
July 7, 2023
If you have someone interested in archeology and willing to spend some time wading through details, this would be a great choice. Not really much of a page turner in the narrative nonfiction style, but for a young reader passionate about the subject, this could light a fire.
June 9, 2024
Loved the story and facts but there wasn’t as much info directly about the female found. Lots of info and info on ideas and speculations but I was hoping for more detail about the burial and bones of the women herself and what her story might’ve been. Still a good book.
July 5, 2023
Well, it reads like the 'juvenile nonfiction' it is - like it was written for kids. Could have used quite a bit more editing, repetitive. Subject matter was interesting.
July 19, 2023
Interesting, mostly, but dry at times (although that could be personal interests.). You'd have to be really into Vikings or archeology to love this book.
August 15, 2023
A fascinating read about the discovery of the bones at Birka.
October 3, 2023
This book opens up a thousand-year-old Viking grave site and allows us to peer into a mystery. Who was in grave site Bj 581 and why does it matter?
October 25, 2023
When I started to read this book I thought it was great but as I got deeper into it I did not enjoy the conjecturing on whether there could only be one female warrior cause only one was discovered.
November 17, 2023
I really wanted to love this book, and there was some interesting stuff in there, but the middle majorly bogged down, and I found myself losing interest.
November 27, 2023
In the 1800s the skeleton of a Viking warrior was found in the abandoned Viking city of Birka. It was assumed that the skeleton was that of a man. A century later, DNA revealed that it was in fact a woman. This books goes into an overview of Viking history and the research team that discovered the truth about the bones of Birka.
As someone who knows very little about Viking history, this book was an interesting introduction to the world of Vikings. This book does not go into major depth about anything and reads more like a textbook than a narrative nonfiction, but it was still an enjoyable and informative read. I really enjoyed the conversations about rethinking history and our presumed assumptions.
Overall, this is a great starter book for Viking culture. I do prefer my non-fiction books, especially YA ones, to be a little bit more narrative, but that is just my personal preference!
As someone who knows very little about Viking history, this book was an interesting introduction to the world of Vikings. This book does not go into major depth about anything and reads more like a textbook than a narrative nonfiction, but it was still an enjoyable and informative read. I really enjoyed the conversations about rethinking history and our presumed assumptions.
Overall, this is a great starter book for Viking culture. I do prefer my non-fiction books, especially YA ones, to be a little bit more narrative, but that is just my personal preference!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews