A giant “ghost ship” along with three smaller boats has been excavated in Sweden, representing the “ships of the dead” of the Vikings.
According to Heritage Daily, Swedish archaeologists have discovered a large ancient cemetery in Halland County, notable for a 50-meter long “ghost ship” buried deep underground.
The ancient cemetery is situated among the ruins of an ancient settlement and only about 6% has been excavated due to modern constructions above it.
Despite this limitation, researchers have uncovered up to 139 graves containing the remains of humans and animals, along with many valuable burial goods in this modest excavation area.
Some types of jewelry found from the ancient graves in the cemetery with the 50-meter “ghost ship” – (Photo: Arkeologerna).
According to the research team from the archaeological consultancy Arkeologerna (Sweden), the site is located on a hillside near ancient trade routes, with the Tvååkersån River flowing nearby and an old road known as Järnbärarvägen passing through.
Most of this site has been damaged due to centuries of farming, where the land has been plowed and leveled for agriculture, leading to the destruction of many graves.
Nevertheless, some notable graves remain, including remnants of the Viking tradition of ship burial.
In addition to the aforementioned 50-meter “ghost ship,” scientists also found traces of three graves that used smaller boats as coffins, as well as a mound shaped like a ship.
The graves themselves vary, with some containing dogs buried in round fire pits, while human remains are typically found in rectangular pits.
“The dog is a companion, accompanying humans on the pyre” – archaeologists explained.
The excavations also revealed a square structure with three large fire pits, containing 17 vessels, human and animal bones, and other artifacts, including an iron arrowhead.
Further analysis suggests that this may not be a burial site but rather a location for cremation.
Many items discovered during the excavation include belt locks, clasps, various types of gold and silver jewelry, and pottery.
A silver coin dated from 795-806 AD indicates that this cemetery is at least over 1,200 years old.
According to archaeologists, the concentration of graves suggests a large Viking settlement existed somewhere nearby. They will continue their search.
