Medieval grave in Sweden surprises archaeologists

Excavations at a grave complex in Sweden have so far uncovered 49 graves, and one of them surprised archaeologists with the findings

Excavations continue under the leadership of Johan Klange with the support of local authorities on the West coast of Sweden in the center of the city of Halmstad, close to Denmark.

It has been announced that 49 graves have been unearthed so far, but one of these graves differs from the others in terms of findings and bones.

It was stated that the average male height in Sweden today is 1.65 meters, and the skeleton of the male individual in the grave was 1.90 meters tall.

Another important detail in the grave was the presence of a 1.30 meters long sword, possibly decorated with a cross, next to the individual, making it the only grave with grave goods.

The tall man’s grave is the most important grave found in the excavations of the Franciscan Monastery in the region, which was active from 1494 until its destruction in 1531 during the Protestant Reformation.

It is thought the tall male individual in the tomb may have been a wealthy supporter of the Kalmar League, the union of the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway under a single ruler.

As the grave is located within the boundaries of the monastery church, the two other individuals buried nearby (one male and one female) were likely the members of a noble family living in the area.

The bones in the graves will be examined, including DNA analysis, to determine whether the three people are related.

Source: Newsroom