The farm of Valsgärde sits on the banks of the Fyris river, just three kilometres north of Gamla Uppsala. This location served as an ancient centre for Swedish kings and pagan faith during the Iron Age.
Archaeologists have identified a burial site at Valsgärde that was used for more than 300 years from the 6th century to the 11th century. The first ship burial dates to the 6th century while the final graves belong to the 11th century. This span covers both the Vendel Age and the Viking Age.
Archaeologists discovered and excavated the Valsgärde site during the 1920s. Greta Arwidsson published detailed reports on specific graves including Valsgärde 6, 7, and 8 during the mid-20th century. Allan Fridell wrote about the first ship burial at Valsgärde in Gamla Uppsala parish in 1930.
The Valsgärde graves share striking similarities with contemporary Anglo-Saxon burials found at Sutton Hoo in East Anglia. Sutton Hoo is dated probably to 610 or 635 which places the English site roughly contemporaneous with the early phases of the Swedish cemetery. Researchers note that the graves are almost identical to those found across the North Sea.
Scholars have identified several theories about the identities of those buried including members of the Yngling dynasty or Scylfings. Others propose powerful warriors within the Leidang system or local strongmen who enriched themselves through trade. The evidence points toward a community where power was concentrated among a few families.