In an extraordinary find that bridges the gap between the past and the present, archaeologists in Nordfjordeid, Norway, have made a captivating discovery at the Myklebust Ship burial mound—a heartfelt letter penned 140 years ago by a passionate 19th-century archaeologist. The Myklebust Ship, an impressive Viking vessel measuring 100 feet in length, was first excavated in 1874. This burial site, believed to be the resting place of a Viking king, yielded a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts such as weapons, shields, and intricate decorations, offering a glimpse into the opulence and power of its ancient occupant.

In a recent re-excavation conducted by the University of Bergen in 2024, researchers stumbled upon a brown bottle containing a remarkable letter, a business card, and five coins belonging to Anders Lorange, the archaeologist who initially explored the site in 1874. While the letter detailed Lorange’s findings, it was the hidden message at the conclusion that piqued curiosity—a note inscribed in runes declaring his love for “Emma Gade, my girlfriend,” who later became his beloved wife.

This recent excavation shed light on the inaccuracies in Lorange’s initial findings as modern archaeologists uncovered 44 shield bulges instead of the 26 he had claimed to identify, suggesting that the original excavation may have been carried out more by workers than by Lorange himself. This revelation underscores the significant advancements in archaeological methodologies over the past century and a half.

Interestingly, this was not the sole romantic note unearthed in a bottle attributed to Lorange’s sentimental gestures. In the 1930s, another bottle containing a love letter addressed to a different woman was discovered at a separate archaeological site, revealing Lorange’s inclination for intertwining his professional pursuits with personal emotions.

This rare discovery not only provides a glimpse into the romantic life of a 19th-century archaeologist but also showcases the evolving nature of archaeological practices and the enduring power of love across centuries. The unearthing of this 140-year-old romantic letter adds a touch of sentimentality to the historical narrative of the Myklebust Ship burial site, immortalizing the affection and devotion of Anders Lorange towards his beloved Emma Gade amidst the ancient relics of the Viking era.