Ancient history

How are vikings buried?

The most common Viking burial rituals involved placing the deceased in a ship, either fully intact or in pieces, and pushing it out to sea. They would light the ship on fire, and as it burned, the deceased would be sent out to the afterlife. This ritual was believed to ensure the deceased a safe passage to Valhalla.

In addition to ship burials, Vikings also practiced other burial rituals, such as cremation and burial in mounds or stone chambers. Cremation was a common practice among the Norse people, and the cremated remains were often placed in urns or buried in the ground. Mound and stone chamber burials were also practiced, and the deceased would be placed in a mound or chamber with their grave goods.

The grave goods that were buried with the deceased varied depending on the individual's status and wealth. Common grave goods included weapons, armor, jewelry, food, and drink. These items were believed to help the deceased in the afterlife, and they also provided information about the individual's life and social status.

The Viking burial rituals were a complex and important part of their culture. They reflected their beliefs about the afterlife and the importance of the individual in society.