to the "Iron-period" of the classification adopted by the Northern antiquaries. Without entering into the subject of various modes of interment, previously and subsequent to the customary practice of cremation in the countries of the North, it may be said that it is stated to have been discontinued in Denmark from the times of their King, Dan Mikillati (the splendid), who caused a large tumulus to be formed, ordering that, when dead, his remains should there be interred with all his royal insignia and armour, his horse likewise, equipped with the customary ornaments, and a quantity (multis talentis) of gold and silver.[1] And thus commenced the hojelse tijd, or age of barrow-interment, without cremation. It is remarkable that, as Mr. Worsaae observes, the majority of the tumuli of the "Iron-period," hitherto examined in Denmark, are distinguished by the circumstance that they contain, not only the remains of the warrior but those of his horse. He cites several instances in which, not only the bones of both have been disinterred, but the stirrups, bridle-bits, in one case described as a "chain-bit," in another as covered with thin silver plates; remarkable ornaments for harness have also been found: with these had been deposited the sword, spear, or axe, all of iron. A similar usage appears in the curious account given by Saxo Grammaticus of the obsequies of Harald; the royal charger was brought harnessed to the King's chariot, and equipped with golden trappings; the pile was fed with the gilded fragments of the royal galley; the arms, gold and precious objects heaped upon it, and finally the remains interred in royal manner with horse, arms, and paraphernalia.[2]
The ancient practice of the Danes in this respect, and characterising the tumuli of a certain age, was not, it must be observed, peculiar to that people. It is not unimportant to trace its observance among the nations of the East, both in ancient and more recent times, in the obsequies of kings. Herodotus speaks of the custom amongst the Scythians, of burying with
- ↑ Wormius, Danic. Monum., p. 52; Worsaae, p. 99. Wormius mentions the finding of a spur in a burial-place near Slesvic, with bronze swords and spear-heads.
- ↑ Saxo Gramm., lib. 8. The same author speaks of a certain person whose attachment to a defunct friend was such, as to make him insist on being interred with the corpse, which was buried with the horse and dog of the deceased;—"quod cum cane et equo terreno mandabatur antro," lib. 5. He states, also, that Frotho prescribed to certain tribes which he had conquered, that every head of a family who fell in battle, should be buried with his horse and arms.
