— Ch. 1 · Geographic Origins And Iron Age Roots —
Lindholm Høje.
~4 min read · Ch. 1 of 6
The northern ridge of Lindholm Høje rises above the city of Aalborg in Denmark. This high ground dates back to the 5th century AD during the Nordic Iron Age. The southern section of the site emerged later, between 1000 and 1050 AD in the Viking Age. An unknown number of rocks have been removed from this location over many centuries. Many stones were broken up in the 19th century for use in road constructions. The Viking Age part of the burial ground suffered more damage than the older sections. The settlement sits at a critical crossing point over the Limfjord. This stretch of water divides the Jutland peninsula into two parts. During the Viking Age, travelers could only cross here or much further west at Aggersund. Swamps edged the fjord on both sides blocking other routes.
Viking Age Burial Practices And Social Structure
Mads Ravn studied death rituals and Germanic social structure between 200 and 600 AD. Most burials discovered at the site involved cremation rather than inhumation. Cremation eventually replaced burial practices during the Viking Age period. Pre-Viking Age graves rested under mounds of earth. Some women's graves show distinct placement of rocks arranged in circles or ovals. Most graves feature rocks set in triangles or shaped like traditional boats called stone ships. These ship settings form the largest collection of well-preserved examples still existing today. The shape and size of each grave outline indicated the status of the deceased person. All of these features resemble ship burials found among Anglo-Saxons and Norwegian Vikings. Other ancient Germanic societies also used similar markers for their dead.