Archaeologists in southern Sweden made a surprising discovery while digging for an ancient settlement – a vast Viking Age cemetery with over 100 graves and ship-shaped mounds. Petra Nordin, an archaeologist at Sweden’s National Historical Museums, led the project and expressed excitement over the find. Only six percent of the burial ground has been excavated so far, revealing graves with human and animal bones, metal accessories, and ceramic vessels. The burial ritual involved cremation, food sacrifices, and the placement of stones in the shape of a ship around the grave.
One burial stood out with 17 vessels, human and animal bones, woven weights, and iron arrowheads. A gilded buckle clasp and a silver coin fragment from Arabia were also found, helping to date the cemetery to around 795-806. Although the settlement associated with the cemetery remains undiscovered, researchers are eager to uncover more clues about the ancient Viking community in Tvååker, Sweden.
Further insights from archaeologist Kristina Killgrove, specializing in ancient human skeletons and science communication, shed light on the significance of the burial practices and artifacts found at the site. The discovery offers valuable insights into Viking Age customs and connections to distant regions like Arabia through trade and cultural exchange. As excavations continue and more of the burial ground is explored, researchers hope to uncover additional evidence that will enrich our understanding of the Viking civilization in southern Sweden. Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating archaeological find.
