Courtesy Manuel Gabler

Manuel Gabler is a digital archaeologist in Norway. He uses tools such as radar and laser scans to search for objects from humans’ ancient past. He recently discovered a possible Viking ship that was buried ceremonially in Edoy, Norway. Vikings raided and settled many parts of northwest Europe more than a thousand years ago. We spoke with Gabler about his work. 

Q: How do digital tools help you do your job? 
A: They help us quickly study large areas that would take years to excavate with traditional methods. This ship would likely never have been found without the help of radar. Digital tools allow us to map entire settlements. That helps researchers plan excavations—and tells us about how people who lived there went about their daily lives.

Q: What excites you most about this find? 
A: Ships are iconic symbols of the Viking age. Only a handful have been found. They were superior in speed to other ships of that time. 

Q: Why did Vikings bury their ships?
A: Ship burials were a status symbol. Chieftains and queens were buried on their ships with valuable treasures. But we don’t know who was buried on the ship in Edoy.