What the mass graves tell us

Based on almost 1,200 unearthed skeletons, we can speculate on the events of the battle outside the wall.

Arrow heads were found in two of the graves. Many individuals had injuries from crossbow bolts and arrows, as well as blows to the head. Another grave had no arrow heads, but stab wounds were common, especially to the legs. It was also here that the old, the very young and those with diseases and old injuries lay buried. This suggests the Danes fired on the Gotlanders’ front lines with arrows before moving into close combat. An effective way of neutralising the opponent was a blow to the lower legs, which were unprotected, with a sword.

As so many of the remains display injuries from close combat, it is reasonable to conclude that the Gotlanders did not attempt to flee or were unable to do so.