(Newser) – A Norwegian archaeologist says a well-preserved, if rusty, iron sword dating to the Viking era has been found in southern Norway. Lars Holger Piloe says the nearly 3-foot-long sword was found slid down between rocks with the blade sticking out, and may have been left by a person who got lost in a blizzard and died on the mountain from exposure, per the AP. Piloe said the sword, dating from about 850-950 AD, was found in Lesja, about 170 miles north of Oslo. The quality of the iron, as well as the cold, dry conditions, helped preserve it. Two reindeer hunters found the sword in August. (Read more Vikings stories.)