Archaeologists discovered a 5000-year-old dog burial with a bone dagger in Sweden.

According to ТСН: Archaeologists uncovered a ritual burial from the Stone Age in southeastern Sweden. They found the remains of a dog and a bone dagger. The animal was likely placed in a bag or container and buried under stones in a lake that existed at this site over 5000 years ago.

“Offering animals as sacrifices in Stone Age Sweden was a common practice,” researchers noted. “Further studies will help uncover more about the dog's life and its owners.”

Details of the discovery

The find was made during road construction southwest of Stockholm. Archaeologists dated it to about 5000 years ago. In addition to the dog's remains, they found remnants of a wooden pier, a fishing basket, and a two-meter structure made of intertwined willows, likely an ancient fishing device. Trampled areas of the lakebed indicate that people at that time were skilled at navigating the shallow waters of the lake.

About the dog

According to analyses, the dog was a male aged between 3 and 6 years and about half a meter tall. The animal was buried at a depth of one and a half meters next to a 25-centimeter bone dagger made from moose or deer.

Scientists plan to conduct DNA analysis and isotope content testing on the dog's bones, which will help determine where it was raised and its diet. This will contribute to a better understanding of the daily life and rituals of Stone Age people in Sweden.

It is worth noting that earlier, archaeologists in northern Norway discovered a rare burial of a Viking woman placed in a small boat with a dog.

This discovery opens new horizons for studying the connections between humans and their pets in ancient times. Research into the rituals associated with animal burials may also shed light on the social and cultural aspects of the lives of our ancestors.