The Birka Chamber-Graves- Economic and Social Aspects A quantitative analysis

Abstract

Social and economic aspects of the Birka chamber-graves are presented, based on a statistical analysis. An economic differentiation between the chamber-graves is discerned by virtue of estimates of e. g. grave values. The "upper-class people" in chamber-graves apparently can be divided into various levels. There are, however, chambers with low values but which signal social status by their construction. Of interest is the high ranking of some female graves as to wealth and to complexity of grave goods. It is not possible to prove that the graves were intended for foreigners. The chamber-graves at Birka were constructed during a brief period in the 9th and 10th centuries, and should be seen as an ancient international tradition to enhance the status of the leading class - an archaic element connected with periods of incipient urbanization and state formation.