Mellanjärvsgravfältet: A burial site with 175 visible graves

Mellanjärvsgravfältet is an archaeological site in Solna kommun, home to around 175 visible graves. Located on the western slope of Stockholmsåsen and stretching down to modern motorway Uppsalavägen, the burial field is part of the Ulriksdals naturreservat. The area near Mellanjärva has been inhabited since approximately 500 AD, making it one of the oldest known continuous settlement sites in Solna.

During the time the site was active, the sea level was about five meters higher than it is today. A bay called Frösundet or Fröfjärden was located 150 meters south of the gravefield and likely served as a natural harbor. Today, the site contains visible graves, stone settings, a ship-shaped grave, and mounds. The largest mound, called Kungshögen, is 20 meters in diameter and about 2.5 meters high.

Excavations at the site began in 1810, and notably, Gustaf VI Adolf participated in excavations in 1925. When Uppsalavägen was widened in 1979, 17 graves were examined. Findings included ceramics, game pieces, bone combs, rivets, nails, glass beads, and bronze beads. One specific grave yielded part of a gilded bronze fitting depicting an animal head.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons