The mound of Silju

About

Siljuhaugen is a large, artificially built burial mound, likely dating from the Early Iron Age. It sits atop a natural gravel plateau, overlooking an adjacent Iron Age burial ground, and is considered one of the largest mounds in Northern Europe.

Siljuhaugen as a Symbol of Power

Siljuhaugen clearly served as a symbol of power. The surrounding burial field confirms its high status in the region. Many archaeologists believe the mound may have represented the authority of a local warrior chieftain, possibly during the Viking Age.

The Origin of the Name Siljan

The names and may derive from the Latin loanword Salix (willow). This suggests the site may have been a place of cultic activity during the Roman Iron Age, with possible roots extending back to the Celtic Iron Age. The name may also reference a willow-related fertility cult, likely associated with women offering gifts.