Swedish Viking women dressed more provocatively than believed

Women who lived in the major Viking settlement called Birka in the 9th and 10th centuries dressed more provocatively than previously thought, according to a Swedish archaeologist.

Uppsala University archeologist Annika Larsson has suggested that the ancient Vikings enjoyed wearing vivid colors, flowing silk ribbons and glittering bits of mirrors, with the men being especially vain, and the women dressed provocatively.

"They combined oriental features with Nordic styles. Their clothing was designed to be shown off indoors around the fire," Larsson said.