Silver was the Vikings’ treasure of choice. Their affinity for the metal gives discoveries of silver artifacts significant historical value—much like a treasure recently found in the mountains of Norway, one that had sat undisturbed since the 9 th century AD.

Archaeologists have unearthed a hoard of Viking treasure that was hidden for more than a 1,000 years. The treasure was found on a mountainside in Årdal, Hjelmeland municipality, in Norway, the University of Stavanger (UiS) announced in a press release.

Norwegian archaeologists announced last week that excavators found 1,000-year-old Viking arm bands buried in soil. The artifacts were found on a farm.

Excavations at the 1,100-year-old farm also found several structures for people, possibly enslaved workers and animals, Demuth said. These buildings showed signs of being burnt down during a period of widespread unrest in the Viking Age. Other artifacts found in Årdal included pots, knives and sharpening tools, Demuth said.

The research team uncovered the treasure while examining a field in Årdal, Norway ahead of the construction of a new road.