The story of the only (?) megalith grave on Gotland Island

Helene Martinsson-Wallin; Paul Wallin

doi:10.4312/dp.37.7

Authors

Helene Martinsson-Wallin Department of Archaeology and Osteology – Gotland University, SE
Paul Wallin Department of Archaeology and Osteology – Gotland University, SE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4312/dp.37.7

Keywords:

Gotland, Early Neolithic, megalith grave, dolmen, Funnel beaker culture

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss the easternmost material expression of the Funnel Beaker Culture – a megalith grave on the west coast of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea. The people who built and used the megalith brought the Neolithic lifestyle to Gotland. The biography of this monument includes two excavations, of which we participated in the latest in 1984. Our osteological analysis confirms that some thirty individuals of both sexes and various ages were buried there. The structure of the monument is that of a rectangular dolmen. This paper discusses the discovery of this specific site, and explores the existence of this type of monument in a Gotland context. Furthermore, is this really the only megalith on Gotland, or are more of these structures yet to be recognised? Finally, one may ask if the Neolithic way of life really was successful on Gotland.