A 5,500-year-old Neolithic grave in Sweden contains the remains of at least 12 individuals, but many of their skulls and long bones have gone missing.
Archaeologists in central Sweden have excavated a 5,500-year-old stone chamber containing several graves from the Neolithic period – however, many of the largest skeletons, including skulls, appear to have been removed around the time the deceased were interred there.
Archaeologists believe the stone burial chamber dates back to 3500 BC and is one of the oldest graves in Sweden. (Photo: Karl-Göran Sjögren).
Karl-Göran Sjögren, an archaeologist at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden and the lead author of a new study on this finding, stated: “This is different from what we usually see in stone graves, and we notice the absence of small bones from the feet and hands.”
Researchers suggest that the missing bone fragments may be related to ancient burial rituals.
The Missing Skeletons
Inside the burial chamber, researchers uncovered hand and foot bones, rib fragments, and teeth from at least 12 individuals, including both infants and the elderly – but very few skulls and larger bones, such as femurs and humeri.
Archaeologists noted that the grave has remained intact since the Stone Age, suggesting that the missing skeletons were likely removed during the burial process or shortly thereafter.
Sjögren said: “We have not observed any injuries on the individuals interred, so we don’t believe it is related to violence. However, we are continuing to study DNA to determine if they had any diseases.”
DNA studies will also reveal whether the individuals buried in the grave are related to one another.
Sjögren added: “These skeletons date back earlier than the graves in the corridor, which are approximately 200 to 150 years old, making it one of the oldest stone burial chambers in Sweden and throughout Scandinavia.”
A chemical analysis of the bones also indicates that these individuals lived in an agricultural society, subsisting on crops, livestock, and dairy products.
