Video Stone Age dog buried with 5,000-year-old dagger found in Sweden
A remarkably conserved Stone Age canine skeleton, interred alongside a 5,000-year-old bone-crafted dagger, has been unearthed by archaeologists within a Swedish marsh.
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An “exceptionally well-preserved” canine skeleton from the Stone Age, found with a 5,000-year-old dagger, has been revealed by archaeologists.
The find, made public by Arkeologerna, a Swedish archaeological consulting firm, is located near Järna, to the southwest of Stockholm.
Arkeologerna collaborated with its main organization, Sweden’s National Historical Museums (SHM), during the dig, which occurred before rail line construction last autumn.
“Many millennia ago, the 3,500-square-meter [37,700-square-feet] locale appeared drastically different,” the statement mentioned.
“Back then, the swamp was a sparkling lake employed for fishing.”
A remarkably conserved Stone Age dog burial ground — holding a delicately refined bone dagger that originates roughly 5,000 years ago — was discovered by Swedish archaeologists. (Arkeologerna, SHM)
Authorities stated the dog was “intentionally” laid with the bone dagger, measuring just under 10 inches and exhibiting a polished quality.
Most likely, it was fashioned from elk or red deer bone.
The dog was characterized by authorities as a “large and powerful male.” His estimated age at the time of death was between three and six.
Archaeologists posit the dog was positioned in a container or sack with stones and situated approximately 100 to 130 feet into the lake’s expanse.
Linus Hagberg, project lead for the dig, conveyed to Fox News Digital that his team is currently engaged in analyzing the remnants, hoping to elucidate the era in which the dog existed and its diet.
Authorities suggest the dog was purposely placed in a lake in proximity to modern Jarna, found southwest of Stockholm, during the Neolithic era’s inception. (Arkeologerna, SHM)
“Dog burials hailing from the early Neolithic period occur infrequently,” Hagberg commented.
“During the Mesolithic age, a few millennia prior, canine burials emerge in settlements and burial locations, albeit not commonly then either.”
Experts surmise the dog’s cranium suffered a fracture upon its death, rather than during the burial itself.
The bones weathered the millennia due to their position in water; Hagberg described their state as “rare as well,” attributing it to these waterlogged conditions.
Officials pointed out the marshy setting facilitated the preservation of the dog’s bones for thousands of years. (Arkeologerna, SHM)
“The most astonishing and unexpected occurrence [of the dig] revolved around the discovery of the laid dog remains,” he stated. “Absolutely.”
He further added that while depicting the dog based on contemporary breeds is untenable, it was “relatively large, featuring expansive jaws and sizable teeth.”
A dig image showcases the Swedish wetland where a 5,000-year-old dog interment was unearthed, together with the Fossum rock etchings in Sweden portraying prehistoric humans and fauna. (Arkeologerna, SHM; iStock)
This finding follows less than a year after another adequately conserved dog burial from ancient Rome was discovered by archaeologists.
Archaeologist Arne Verbrugge informed Fox News Digital the burial, situated in Belgium, was “quite well” conserved, owing to the calcareous sandstone beneath which it was laid to rest.