Old bones or early graves? Megalithic burial sequences in southern Sweden based on 14C datings

摘要: Megalithic tombs have since long been a focus of debate within the archaeological research field, not least regarding their emergence, use life and various bursts building activity in different regions periods. The aim this study is to investigate temporal span main burial sequences conventional megalithic grave types southern Sweden, with special on less studied gallery graves. In Scandinavia, are divided into three types: dolmens, passage graves Here, prevailing typological seriation was tested. based 374 14C dates from unique individuals selected 66 tombs. form, layout dating were order examine regional chronological variation megaliths. By comparing sum plots, KDE models, individual typology artefacts, existing chronologies evaluated. dolmens more or agreed chronology, while presence early skeletons unexpected. results indicate that appeared simultaneously Sweden first used around 3500–3300 cal BC. contemporaneously, although proportion supports slightly earlier start dolmens. Some may also introduced at time, reburial old bones cannot be ruled out.