In the 3rd century, the Vikings' ancestors in Norway may have ravaged the North Sea

The Roman Empire's naval bases probably gave them the idea for similar structures in southern and western Norway.

Published 21 February 2026 - 00:01

“Perhaps there is reason to ask whether the Viking Age actually began as early as the 3rd century,” archaeologist Frans-Arne Stylegar tells Science Norway.

Many hundreds of years before the Viking Age, he sees clear evidence of something like Vikings along the coast of Norway.

In recent years, Stylegar has worked to map their bases.

Somewhere in southern Norway, he believes there's something quite special.

Have found many naval bases

Archaeologists have now found traces of many large boathouses – ship houses – along the Norwegian coast facing the North Sea and Skagerrak.

These have been dated to between the years 180 and 540.

Most of these years fall within the Roman era. This was a time when people in today's Norway most likely were much more involved with the Roman Empire than has previously been thought.

The boathouses are often over 20 metres long. Some are much larger. Many are built in clusters.

More:
https://www.sciencenorway.no/archaeology-roman-empire-ships/in-the-3rd-century-the-vikings-ancestors-in-norway-may-have-ravaged-the-north-sea/2607322