Along the E18 outside Köping, archaeologists have made rare finds. In a burial field, dated to the Late Iron Age, approximately 600–1,000 AD, two swords estimated to be from the Viking Age have been found, among other things. The swords were stuck in the graves so that they stood straight up.
“A total of about 20 Viking-age swords have been found in Västmanland before, to then find two examples in the same burial ground as we did, and also untouched in the graves, is a bit of a sensation. Especially as they are placed the way they are” says archaeologist Anton Seiler in a press release.
The archaeologists do not know for sure why the swords were upright. Anton Seiler speculates that it may have been a way of honoring and remembering relatives.
Cremated human and animal bones, a game piece, parts of a comb and bear claws, which are believed to be remains from a bear trap, have also been found in the graves. The archaeological excavations along the E18 in Västmanland are being carried out because the motorway is to be widened.
“We have investigated the area in stages. Beneath the burial field, there are farm remains that are older, from the Bronze Age or earlier Iron Age. There are signs that they have also engaged in iron production, so it is a very complex place,” says Seiler.
The excavations have now been completed and the swords found have been left for conservation.