Archaeologists have unearthed a centuries-old mystery at a Viking grave in Norway shedding light into the practices of the past.

A message in a bottle left more than 150 years ago has been found by the archaeologists leaving history enthusiasts looking for answers.

The message was placed by the Norwegian archaeologist Anders Lorange in 1874, reports Daily Galaxy.

It offers an extraordinary insight into the Viking burial practices and the archaeological methods of the 19th century.

The discovery was made during the ongoing excavation of King Audbjørn’s burial mound in Norway, the site of the world’s largest Viking ship—a landmark discovery that has captivated archaeologists for years.

The bottle contained two coins, a business card belonging to archaeologist Lorange, and a handwritten note from Lorange himself.

This surprising find highlights Lorange’s meticulous approach to documenting his work, offering a unique connection between 19th-century and contemporary archaeological efforts.

Part of a broader excavation aiming to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for the site, this discovery adds a compelling narrative to a location first explored by Lorange in 1874.

The note inside the bottle offers fascinating details about the excavation conducted over a century ago.

Written in Norwegian, the message reads: “This Mound was excavated Anno Domino 1874. Of Anders Lorange, Antiqvarius Norvegiæ.

“The mound is built over fallen Men. They were burned in their ship with their weapons and decorations. Of Skjold (shield) bulges were 26—of Swords 2—an axe and many arrows—in addition to many other Old Saws. The find is handed over to Bergens Museum.”

The discovery quickly went viral, amassing over 26 million views on Instagram.

Archaeologist Jacob Bredesen, who recorded the moment the message was found, shared the video on Instagram, sparking widespread intrigue and enthusiasm.