A unique medieval cemetery from the 10th/11th century with chamber-like graves from Bodzia (central Poland)

Preliminary result of the multidisciplinary research

Abstract

The preliminary result of the multidisciplinary research on a Viking cemetery from Bodzia is an unparalleled discovery in post-war Polish early medieval archaeology. It was used by a small population living in the late 10^th-early 11^th century on the middle Vistula river. Its members were buried in chamber-like graves. The organisation and content of the cemetery is unique. It is formed by rows of graves with large burial pits placed in separate quadrangular burial spaces. Equally unique are the rich grave goods, which may be linked mainly with Scandinavia and Ruthenia but also with Southern and Western Europe. These and many other features make the cemetery at Bodzia very special in the European past.