Everyone knows that the Vikings were dirty louts in helmets with horns -- at least that is what Danish Facebook readers thought in a recent survey by ScienceNordic’s Danish partner site, videnskab.dk. ScienceNordic debunks the myths about Viking appearance on a webpage entitled What Vikings really looked like.

The municipal council of Thessaloniki, Macedonia is listening to arguments between executives of the construction company rebuilding the Venizelos metro station and archaeologists working on the "very significant Byzantine antiquities" discovered during construction about whether to remove the artifacts or to coexist with them.

The announcement of the new Pope in Rome has led some journalists to ponder if Latin really is a dead language. The Guardian's Style Blog jumps into the discussion.

At Their Court at Barony of Tir Ysgithr's Southern War Practice, Their Majesties Tristan and Damiana of the Kingdom of Atenveldt offered elevation to the Order of the Laurel to Lady Anya Sergeeva.

WDAM TV videographer - and new SCA member - 123youknowme reports that he has uploaded a video from Gulf Wars XXII on his YouTube channel. The footage is unedited, but gives a good background on the event.

The Midwest Seminar in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy will present Some Conceptions of Body in the 14th Century on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in Marquette University's Alumni Memorial Union, Room 252.

Catherine Lorraine reports that Thorfin the Cruel was the victor of the March 23, 2013 Crown Tournament in the Kingdom of the West. His Highness was inspired in His endeavor by Etain du Pommier.

In gratitude for the loan of the Lewis Chessmen for the Manx National Heritage's Forgotten Kingdom exhibition, MNH director Edmond Southworth presented the British Museum's Naomi Speakman with a set of stamps featuring the medieval chess set. The stamps were issued to the public on January 11, 2013. (photos)

Aiden Norris, son of Brynjolf Brandrsmitr aka Bruce, of the Barony of the Lonely Tower, has recently been accepted into the ranks of the Junior Team USA for the martial art of Kendo. His family seeks sponsors and donations to help meet mandatory travel expenses for the competitions.

Master Phillip the Pilgrim reports that he has created an album of photos from Val Day 2013, which took place recently in the Middle Kingdom. The photos are available to view on Flickr.

Master Andreas de Caunteton reports that at Ymir XXXVIII on February 16, 2013, Their Majesties Vladimir and Kalisa of the Kingdom of Atlantia offered elevation to the Order of the Laurel to Lady Maedhbh the Handy.

A small wooden replica of a Viking longboat was unearthed in Dublin.

The earliest documents relating to the city of St. Augustine, Florida (USA) are being digitized for preservation. The documents cover the time period from 1594 to 1763 CE.

Lady Sara from the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann reports that she has created an album of photos from Gulf Wars XXII. The photos are available to view on Flickr.

A new Yahoo group has been created as a means to discuss books of interest to the SCA. Those interested may join the Meridien Book Club online.

Archaeologists have unearthed a 15th century Chinese coin on the Kenyan island of Manda. This find predates European exploration of Asia, indicating the Chinese may have traded directly with Africa.

A greenish-brown wool tunic was uncovered when a glacier in south Norway began retreating.

The Trinity College Library in Dublib, Ireland has announced that the Book of Kells is now available to view, thanks to the library's Digital Resources and Imaging Services. An iPad app of the book is also available.

The Board of Directors would like to address concerns that have been raised regarding the sanctions process and related documents.

At Their Court held at the February 16, 2013 College of Three Ravens, Their Majesties Khalek and Branwyn of the Kingdom of AEthelmearc offered elevation to the Order of the Pelican to Mistress Mathilde des Pyrenees.

A tiny scrap of wool fleece, found in a grave, has helped to date an early Christian church in Maryport, Cumbria, England. The wool, which dated to the 3rd or 4th century CE, showed that a structure, accompanied by Christian burials, was probably a Christian church from the late Roman period.

“It’s the find of a lifetime. I’ve been searching for historic gems for more than 30 years and found nothing like this.," said John Eldridge from North Berwick, who used a metal detector to find a 14th century harness pendant belonging to Sir John Comyn in a field near Loch Leven Castle in Scotland. (photo)

The owner of an automobile in Ludlow, Shropshire, England has an unusual claim after 33 ft (10m) of the town's medieval wall collapsed, showering the car with debris. "Luckily no-one was injured when the wall collapsed," said Rosanna Taylor-Smith, councillor for Ludlow North.

All may not have been sweetness and light between the Romans and the local inhabitants during the time of the building of Hadrian's Wall in northern England. A new study suggests that the absence of settlements and artifacts proves that the Romans ejected the locals from the area of the wall.

St Oran's Cross, one of the world's oldest celtic crosses, will be restored and returned to Scotland's island of Iona in time to see the celebration of the 1450th anniversary of the arrival of St Columba. The 8th century cross weighs over a ton and will stand nearly 15 feet tall. (photo)

In December 2012, metal detector enthusiast Morten Skovsby got lucky near the village of Hårby, Denmark.  His detector hit on a thumb-sized silver figurine depicting a Valkyrie, the only known 3D Viking representation of the battle maiden. (photos)

Genevieve de Lironcourt reports that at Their recent Court, Their Majesties Jean Paul and Gilyan of the Kingdom of Ansteorra offered elevation to the Order of the Chivalry to Kira no Takuan.

Steve Baker, Chair, SCA Ltd, reports that a replacement Membership Services website for the Kingdom of Lochac has been launched.

Sir Guy LeStrange is seeking backing to attend and participate in the Battle of Nations, "an international, full contact with steel weapons, no holds barred, western martial arts competition and festival." The 2013 event will take place in France.

Martin Bildner reports that Their Majesties Roak and Elizabeth, at various events, have chosen to elevate three of Their subjects to the Order of the Laurel.