Old bones or early graves? Megalithic burial sequences in southern Sweden based on 14C datings

Abstract

Megalithic tombs have since long been a focus of debate within the archaeological research field, not least regarding their emergence, use life and the various bursts of building activity in different regions and periods. The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal span of the main burial sequences in the conventional megalithic grave types of southern Sweden, with special focus on the less studied gallery graves. In Scandinavia, megalithic tombs are divided into three main types: dolmens, passage graves and gallery graves. Here, this prevailing typological seriation was tested. The study was based on 374 14C dates from unique individuals selected from 66 tombs. The form, layout and dating of the different types of tombs were studied in order to examine regional and chronological variation in the use of megaliths. By comparing sum plots, KDE models, individual 14C dates and typology of artefacts, the existing chronologies were evaluated. The 14C dates from dolmens and passage graves more or less agreed with the conventional chronology, while the presence of early skeletons in gallery graves was unexpected. The results indicate that megalithic graves appeared more or less simultaneously in southern Sweden and were first used around 3500-3300 cal BC. The dolmens and passage graves were used contemporaneously, although the proportion of early dates supports a slightly earlier start of the dolmens. Some of the gallery graves may also have been introduced at this time, although reburial of old bones cannot be ruled out.

Mobility patterns in inland southwestern Sweden during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age

“…In present-day Sweden, megalithic graves (dolmens and passage graves) were first constructed around 3400 cal BC, in the cultural setting of the TRB (Blank et al 2020;Persson and Sjögren 1995;Schulz Paulsson 2010Sjögren 2011). The spread of the TRB complex led to extensive cultural transformations, including new subsistence practices (farming and animal husbandry), the construction of causewayed and palisade enclosures, megalithic graves, ritual depositions in wetland and a new set of artefacts, such as TRB pottery and polished axes (Sjögren 2003).…”

“…In the following period, Middle Neolithic B (2800-2200 cal BC), the PWC continued, and the Battle Axe Culture (BAC) appeared in Sweden. People of this period buried their dead in single or double flat graves (Edenmo 2008;Malmer 1962Malmer , 2002, and megalithic graves were not constructed in most parts of Sweden (Blank et al 2020). Gallery graves mark a second phase of megalithic building activities.…”

“…Gallery graves mark a second phase of megalithic building activities. They were mainly constructed during the Late Neolithic and used into the Early Bronze Age (Blank et al 2020). Gallery graves are distributed over a larger geographical area than the passage graves; they are more common in inland areas and are also found in more northerly regions of Scandinavia.…”

“…In Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Sweden, important social changes coincide with the two phases of megalithic grave construction and use, c. 3400-2600 and 2200-1100 cal BC (Blank et al 2020). The focus of this study is Falbygden, in the inland of southwestern Sweden (Fig.…”

“…The skeletal remains from the gallery graves on the other hand, encompassing a wide range of chamber forms constructed by stone slabs, mainly assigned to the Late Neolithic, have not been investigated to their full potential. Only a few studies including 14 C dates, C, N and Sr isotopes have been published (Blank 2019;Blank et al 2018bBlank et al , 2020Blank and Knipper in press). More variable isotope data (Blank 2019;Blank et al 2018b;Blank and Knipper in press) have suggested an increased human mobility during the Late Neolithic compared to the Middle Neolithic.…”