Vendel - Sweden
Vendel, which is located about 40 km north of Uppsala, holds a special position in Sweden's prehistory. The place has given its name to an entire epoch, the period from 550 to 800 AD, the Vendel Period. With its strategic location, with connections via lake Vendelsjon and the river Vendelan south to the river Fyrisan and Lake Malaren and Gamla Uppsala, the site has been a focal point for contact and trade. Vendel's most famous ancient monuments are Ottar's Mound and the boat grave field by the church. In 1881, fourteen graves at Vendel Church were examined, twelve of which were boat burials, containing lavish grave goods. The grave could be dated from 550 to 1050 AD. The finds are among the richest ever discovered from the period, and in addition to weaponry such as swords, spears, shields and helmets, included imported glass, household objects and pets. The grave finds bear witness to power, wealth and long-distance trade, The graves at Vendel church are just o...