Why Vikings Buried Their Horses With Them, and What Archaeologists Just Found Is Surprising

The latest discovery of over 500 artifacts made out of iron associated with horsing equipment in Sylta, Västmanland, Sweden, allows us to gain a better understanding of the Vikings' way of life and funerary practices as well as what the idea of death meant to these people, who lived between the 9th and the 12th century.

As it was found in connection with the discovery described on Wikipedia (Archaeology of Scandinavia), these artifacts are not only unique due to the high degree of preservation and the great number, but also due to the message hidden in their use in funerary practices.

What archaeologists found at Sylta

In the burial field on the island of Sylta, which operated for several centuries, almost thirty tombs have been excavated, and many of them date back to the 11th century. In these tombs, cremated human and horse bones were discovered.


According to the website Medievalists, it is clear that these discoveries are not coincidental, and there was a deliberate effort to incorporate them into the burial ritual to emphasize the close connection between the dead person and his or her horse.

It is evident that the horses were much more than just means of transportation or working animals.

Horses as symbols of identity

It is evident from the findings at Sylta that the use of horses was crucial in defining one's social identity since the sophistication of the objects implies that owning such items was an indication of a person's status and individual image.

The presence of the horse harness, including some elaborate pieces, proves that the Vikings placed much importance on display and appearance.

As stated in Archaeology Magazine, these objects were both practical and intended to be seen and heard, given the use of tiny bells and pendants that made horses more noticeable when walking around. Thus, it can be deduced that horses served as visual representations of their owners' identity.

Burial practices and beliefs

Another fascinating aspect of the Sylta discovery is the presence of horse cremations buried along with their owners, suggesting a particular belief that these horses were meant to follow their owners into the next world.

The tradition also speaks volumes about the way people thought about death and the role played by physical possessions and even pets in the process. According to a study by Medievalists, the fact that harnesses and ornaments were deliberately kept during the cremation ceremony indicates the significance of these objects.

Unlike what we might have initially presumed, horses were apparently a fairly frequent part of cremation rituals.

The role of bells and decoration

The discovery of several bells and ornaments with unique shapes on the harnesses of horses also offers clues to understanding Viking art and communication. These artifacts were possibly functional as well as aesthetic, for the ringing of bells would not only serve to make one's presence known but also accentuate the overall appearance of the horseman.

According to Archaeology Magazine, the use of such bells and ornaments was either for religious or traveling purposes, and their placement among other items in burials signifies the importance beyond regular uses.

A broader view of Viking society

From the analysis at Sylta, it is clear that the Viking society was highly symbolic, hierarchical, and ritualistic. The fact that the site lies close to the travel route reinforces the significance of horse transport and movement within this community.

As revealed in Archaeology of Scandinavia, the discoveries at places such as Sylta enable scientists to get a better insight into the local traditions and their place among the wider Scandinavian customs.

Such discoveries are currently prompting specialists to reassess the role of material culture in communicating social and spiritual ideals in Viking societies.

Why this discovery matters now

The Sylta excavation is not only concerned with ancient artefacts; rather, it is an opportunity to discover the sense of selfhood, identity, and existence that ancient peoples developed through their interaction with one another, since this link between man and horse was emotional, functional, and symbolic.

In studying such archaeological finds, scholars are discovering more about how the Vikings perceived the cycles of life and death, thus providing a human face to the image of Vikings stereotypically portrayed in modern culture.

Despite the passage of centuries since then, further exploration of these findings may lead us to question our assumptions about the past due to small yet revealing elements found at the Sylta site.