Bodies of Viking-era infant twins uncovered in Sweden
The bodies of some of Sweden's earliest Christians have been uncovered in a dig in the village of Sigtuna, near Stockholm.
Uppdrag Arkeologi, the company conducting the dig, said the remains of nine people including children, had been discovered in the "Viking-era" cemetery.
"The seven graves that were examined differed in character from previously found graves in Sigtuna and possibly these are some of the very oldest Christian burials in the city," project manager Johan Runer said online.
The tombs of a number of Viking-era Swedish Christians have been uncovered near Stockholm. Upddrag Arkeologi
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The tombs date back to the 10th century CE - the 900s - about the same time as the village of Sigtuna was founded.
Dr Runer told Swedish news outlet SVT that among the bodies were two infants, who were possibly twins that died in or shortly after childbirth.
"What is unique is that several are buried in wooden coffins that are covered with stone, we have not seen that construction in Sigtuna before," he said.
The tombs included adults and children. Upddrag Arkeologi
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The bodies were also buried with grave goods including coins, a belt and a comb.
In the Viking era, non-Christians in Scandinavia were often cremated, but several notable burial sites of seemingly eminent people have been found.
Combs were prized by Scandinavians, and have been found in numerous tombs.
Viking pride in cleanliness and personal appearance was noted by early English annalists, who complained that English women found the raiders and settlers too attractive.
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