King of the hill
The King's Mound stands out as the wealthiest burial site at Veien. Excavated in 1824 this mound measured approximately 25 meters in diameter and stood 7 meters tall. Among the treasures unearthed were a sword scabbard adorned with intricately designed silver fittings, a bronze belt ensemble, a drinking horn embellished with bronze fittings, a bronze weighing scale, gold rings, a mosaic bead, and exquisite pottery, among other things.
What distinguished this grave from others in the burial ground was the presence of an unburned skeleton. During this period, cremation burials were common both at Veien and across Northern Europe, though with regional variations. The deviation from this norm within the King's Mound likely indicated the burial of an individual of significant importance.
The exceptional aspect of the King's Mound lies in the absence of cremation—both the deceased and the grave goods remained unburned. As a result, traces of clothing were preserved. Among these remnants, evidence of red dye, sourced from an insect native to Central and Eastern Europe, was discovered. Whether this dye was imported or if a dyed garment was a gift from chieftains in those regions remains uncertain. Nevertheless, dyed clothing, particularly in vibrant hues like red, symbolized considerable power and prestige.