Overview:

Kivik Grave is an ancient megalithic burial site located in Kivik, a town on the southwestern coast of Sweden. The megalithic tomb, along with its accompanying structures and artifacts, is estimated to date back to the late Neolithic period (3500-2000 BC) and is one of the most well-preserved megalithic sites in the world. It is also one of the most impressive megalithic sites in Europe. It consists of an oblong chamber built from large, monolithic stones and over fifty burial mounds. In addition, there are multiple grave goods inside the megalithic chamber, including a bronze spear and several stone axes. The site is thought to have had religious significance for the people who inhabited it and is a significant archaeological discovery. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Sweden
Prominent Features:

1. Boat-Shaped Stones: Kivik grave is one of the most well-preserved and visually striking graves in Sweden, partially due to its unique boat-shaped stones. Originally the entrance was lined with 17 large rocks, arranged in the shape of a boat. 2. Geometrical Ornaments: Kivik grave contains a variety of geometrical ornaments, which further highlight its beauty. The stone walls are decorated by various geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and spirals. 3. Burial Chambers: Kivik grave consists of three burial chambers, in addition to the main central chamber. These smaller chambers were likely used for the storage of items, including the offerings for the dead. 4. Presence of Weapons: The presence of weapons and work tools, such as axes and knives, suggest that Kivik grave was likely used to store and honor the dead. 5. Sandstone Seats: Kivik grave includes two unique sandstone seats, which likely served to designate the site as a privileged place of reverence and meeting. 6. Rock Carvings: On the sides of the grave, rock carvings may be found, depicting symbols, such as the sun, moon, and stars. These carvings are believed to symbolize eternity and the passage of time. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Sweden.

History:

The Kivik Grave is a late Bronze Age tumulus located in Kivik, Sweden that is believed to date back to the 3rd millennium BC. The grave is the largest and most important in the country and has been called "Sweden's King's Grave" due to the numerous finds made inside the burial mound. The grave was discovered in the late 18th century and excavated in the 19th century by Adolf Frederik Almqvist, the then Governor of Kronoberg. Among the artifacts found inside were elaborate bronze ornaments and jewelry, weapons and tools, as well as several pottery pieces. These items indicate that the grave was the last resting place of an important individual or family, likely from the early Bronze Age. Today, the Kivik Grave is protected by the Swedish government as a historical monument, and visitors are allowed to view the remains of the grave as well as the artifacts which have been preserved in the nearby Kivik Museum. The grave has also been the source of much research into the Bronze Age period and has provided invaluable insights into the prehistoric cultures of Scandinavia. Visit one of the famous monuments of Sweden with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Kivik Grave is an interesting archaeological site in Sweden, believed to have been in use during the Iron Age (500 BC – 800 AD). 2. It is one of the oldest settlements in Sweden. Archaeologists have found tools, jewelry, and pottery, which proved human habitation as early as 4500 BC. 3. It is considered as one of the largest Bronze Age tombs in Europe. The grave is a small burial mound, measuring 150 meters in diameter and 2 meters in height. 4. The remains of the person buried in the grave date back to the Iron Age, but a possible reason for the burial being left untouched is the unusual spiral nature of the surrounding walls have prevented looters from reaching it. 5. In the winter of 2016, a bronze ring and a bronze piece were discovered in Kivik Grave upon further excavation. These findings are believed to be parts of a large cultic bronze vessel which would have been used for ritual worship by the people who inhabited Kivik. 6. It is believed that the person who was buried here held an important position in the community as a religious leader or a spiritual advisor. 7. The grave was named after the nearby village of Kivik, which is located in the province of Skåne. 8. Archaeologists believe that the grave was abandoned in the Middle Ages, possibly in the 11th or 12th century. One of the historical monuments of Sweden, it tells the story of a bygone era