Jellhaugen Mound, Halden, Norway

Jellhaugen is the second largest burial mound in Norway and among the largest in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. It has a diameter of 85 metres and a height of around 9 metres. It's difficult to know exactly how old it is, but another nearby burial site known as the Jellhaugen Mound has been dated to around 1,500 years ago.

A saga tells that the mound is buildt for a king called Jell, however these tales are from more modern times and cannot be trusted. The mound is not completely excavated, only parts of it have been excavated, in 1968 however, it was dug a ditch trough the centre of the mound and the only findings was a cremation grave with burned human bones and a single amber pearl. The grave has been carbon-dated to around 426-598AD, the end of the age of migration. Traces of a early grave robbing was dated to around 692-896AD.

In 2018, using high-resolution ground-penetrating radar, archaeologists have found an ancient Viking cemetery, complete with what appears to be a well-preserved ship burial. A popular mode of interment among the Norse Vikings, ship burials consisting of a longboat covered by a mound were reserved for important personages, such as chieftains.

References:

Science Alert

Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Norway

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.

thomas arnesen (4 years ago)
Large mound of earth

Michael Gammelgaard (5 years ago)
Interesting to see a historic burial ground. When I was here, an area next to the mound was being excavated. It is believed to have found a buried Viking ship.

Kristine Kvamme (5 years ago)
Jellhaug and Viking ship excavation. Very exciting

Jellhaugen Mound

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