Gotländska ringsvärd och ringsvärdsknappar från äldre vendeltid : En fyndplatsanalys

Sammanfattning: This paper deals with the significance of ring-swords and ring-sword pommels in the Gotlandic society during the Merovingian (early Vendel) period and how it is conveyed in graves and geographic distribution. These finds are rare and often interpreted as symbols of higher power and status such as warlords. By examining the geographic distribution and burial context it is possible to identify areas which may have acted as power centers. The results show that ring-swords are sparsely distributed, found in rich graves and located in areas with continuity.