In 2009, a mass Viking grave containing 54 decapitated skeletons was discovered by archaeologists on the South Dorset Ridgeway, located in the hills between Dorchester and Weymouth, England.

All of the skeletons were males, and all were buried in shallow graves with their decapitated heads piled up to one side. Some researchers have suggested that the skeletons may have belonged to a group of Vikings called the Jomsvikings who modelled themselves on a legendary group of mercenaries named the Jomsvikings.

The Jomsvikings were a group of killers founded by Harald Bluetooth and based at Jomsborg on the Baltic coast, and were known for their strict views on battle. The Jomsvikings, and those who sought to emulate them, valued bravery in conflict above all else, and never showed fear or ran away in battle.

Due to this, some researchers have suggested that this might be one reason why the individuals were beheaded from the front, though this does not account for the unpredictable nature of battle.

Nonetheless, some of the skeletons do show evidence of defence wounds on their arms, as well as deep cuts to vertebrae, jawbones and skulls, thus pointing towards a rapid, and very unpleasant, execution. You can see these warriors at the County Museum, Dorchester. Incredible piece of history on the doorstep. And a reminder that you really didn’t want to upset the Men of Wessex