From viking times
If you look closely, there are signs of ancient times in other places around the city of Uppsala.
A Battlefield and Bronze Age Graveyard
S.Pathkiller 2009, Ancient grave site, from approx 950 AD., CC.
Approximately two kilometers northwest of King Björn’s mound, bordering the forest and close to the Fyris River, lies a prehistoric cemetery containing about 50 graves and 30 raised stones marking an ancient burial site.
S.Pathkiller 2009, Close-up view of the rune stone, CC.
There is also a rune stone, rendered illegible either by time or by the inexperience of the stone carver. The graves are dated to the last 100 years BC and bordered on the south side by the tracks of an ancient road.
The stone bridge
It is likely that the road once led to the river crossing where there now stands an arched bridge of stone. On one side of the bridge, a stone marker was placed in the year 1835 by Carl Johan XIV, to commemorate a battle which took place there in 1521. According to the stone, King Gustav Ericsson Wasa was rescued during combat by the bravery of his men.
S.Pathkiller 2009, Old stone bridge, site of a great battle, CC.
S.Pathkiller 2009, Rune stone in a Bronze Age cemetery, CC.
Hågahögarna (King Björn’s Mound)
On the western outskirts of Uppsala is another impressive burial mound from the Nordic Bronze Age, Hågahögarna. According to Norse legend, King Bjorn, who was known as Björn på håga (Björn at the mound), had his estate here. He reigned in tandem with his brother Önund or Anund of Old Uppsala. The mound is approximately seven meters high and was constructed some time around 1000 BC. An excavation carried out in 1902 revealed various objects of bronze, including a sword and razor. Bones found with the marrow removed indicate that people were sacrificed here. Besides the mound, foundation stones mark the remains of a Bronze Age settlement.