Spikes

Iron shoe spikes, for people and for horses. The way to the underworld Hel lay 'downwards and northwards'. In order not to slip on the ice-covered waves and to arrive unscathed, both people and horses were sometimes equipped with spikes under their feet. Find spot, Svarta Jorden, Birka, Adelsö Parish, Uppland.

Image rights: Ola Myrin, Historiska museet/SHM (CC BY 4.0