The mound of Silju

About

Siljuhaugen is a large added mound, it is undated, but very likely from the older Iron Age and one of the largest in the Nordic countries. Built on top of a natural plateau of gravel, it is located above an Iron Age burial ground.

Siljanhaug as a symbol of power
Siljuhaugen clearly appears as a symbol of power, the later burial ground confirms this. Many believe that the mound may have been a symbol of power for a local warlord from the Viking Age.

Origin of the name Siljan
The names Siljuhaugen and Siljan can be based on the Latin loanword "Salix", and point to a scene of cult from the Roman Iron Age with roots perhaps all the way to the Celtic Iron Age. The name points to a possible willow cult (women who give), most likely for fertility.