Archaeologists Discover Rare Neck Rings in Ancient Grave in Sweden

Archaeologists in Sweden have discovered two rare neck rings, believed to be over 2,500 years old, buried in an ancient grave monument near Norrköping. The Swedish archaeological consultancy Arkeologerna announced the find in May. The excavation site is part of a larger archaeological landscape that includes graves and settlement remains from the Late Bronze Age (circa 1100–500 BC). The rings, identified as wendel rings, are characterized by their twisted form and are considered rare finds. Excavation leader Alf Ericsson noted that finding two neck rings together in a burial context is highly unusual. The jewelry is well-preserved, although one ring is broken in half, likely as part of a ritual process during the Bronze Age. The excavation also revealed several deposits of cremated human bones and remains of houses, indicating a complex culture in the area. This discovery is part of a series of significant archaeological finds in Sweden over the past year.