5,500-Year-Old Grave Unearthed in Sweden Missing Skulls and Large Bones

Archaeologists Investigate Ancient Burial Practices as DNA Analysis Could Reveal Family Ties Among the Deceased

Archaeologists from Gothenburg University and Kiel University have unearthed a 5,500-year-old stone burial chamber in Tiarp, Sweden, dating back to 3500 BCE, making it one of the oldest in Scandinavia.
The grave contains remains from at least twelve individuals, including infants and the elderly, but intriguingly, skulls and large bones such as thigh and arm bones are missing.
Researchers suggest the missing bones may have been removed due to burial rituals of the time, but the exact reason remains unknown.
DNA analysis of the remains is ongoing, with preliminary results showing well-preserved DNA that could help reconstruct the family relationships between the people in the grave.
The people buried in the grave are believed to have been farmers, living by growing grain, keeping animals, and consuming dairy products.