In Sweden, archaeologists have unearthed the medieval burial of a remarkably tall man buried with a 4-foot-long sword. This nobleman possibly supported the ill-fated union with Denmark and Norway.
The sword, adorned with small Christian crosses, reflects unique craftsmanship. The man's height, standing at 6 feet, 3 inches, surpasses the average male height in 16th-century Sweden, contributing to the intriguing discovery.
A view of the third excavation of a grave inside the medieval Convent of Saint Ursula in Florence on July 17, 2012.
Unearthing the Medieval Grave of a Tall Nobleman at Lilla Torg
During excavations at Lilla Torg, translated as "Little Square," in Halmstad, Sweden, archaeologists unearthed the burial site of an exceptionally tall man in the Franciscan friary.
The tall man's grave, discovered in mid-December, stood out among 49 graves. Archaeologist Johan Klange suggested the man, possibly a wealthy supporter of the Kalmar Union (1397-1523), may have belonged to the high nobility with properties in both Sweden and Denmark.
This Catholic burial took place within the friary church's boundaries and aligned with the Roman Catholic Church's representation, destroyed during Sweden's Reformation (1527-1593). Active from 1494 to 1531, the friary, with graves beneath the convent, had its remains discovered during 1930s roadworks.
The prominent grave suggests the buried trio-a tall man, a man, and a woman-were likely members of a noble family in the region. DNA analysis of their bones aims to determine any familial connections.
Among the unearthed graves, the sword buried with the tall man was the sole grave good, implying his potential high nobility status. The sword, identified as a "longsword" or "hand-and-a-half sword" from the late medieval European style, adorned with inlaid Christian crosses, will undergo analysis.
Although made of iron, and susceptible to rust, the sword is well-preserved, despite damage near the hilt, likely caused during 1930s roadworks. The ongoing study seeks to unveil the historical context surrounding this intriguing archaeological discovery.
The medieval longsword was swiftly removed for conservation after its discovery. But subsequent analysis revealed inlaid crosses, indicating the man's religious devotion. More so, the archaeologists speculate that the sword's blade might have been longer and heavier before partially breaking off, prompting further investigation into its actual size, age, and potential ceremonial or battle use.
Halmstad's History: From Danish Rule to Franciscan Sanctuary and the Mystery of the Kalmar Union Burial
The ancient town of Halmstad, founded in 1307, lies about 270 miles southwest of Stockholm on Sweden's Atlantic coast. Formerly part of the Danish Kingdom, the construction of the Sankta Anna church and monastery required approval from the Queen of Denmark. Intending it as a permanent residence for Franciscans, political shifts transformed the site into a religious sanctuary for less than four decades.
Klange, the excavation leader, mentioned ongoing research to determine if the man buried in the grave was a noble under the Kalmar Union. Established to counter the influence of the Hanseatic League, the union faced internal strife, notably the 1520 "Stockholm Bloodbath," eroding support for the union in Sweden.
Historian Harald Gustafsson from Lund University explained the Kalmar Union as a "personal union" with shared monarchs while maintaining distinct laws and institutions in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Factional conflicts, including the Stockholm Bloodbath, led to diminished sympathy for the union in Sweden.
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