Ajvide Settlement

The Ajvide Settlement is an archaeological site located on the western coast of Gotland, Sweden, spanning an area of 200,000 square meters. It was occupied from the Late Mesolithic until the mid-Bronze Age, with significant activity during the Middle Neolithic period associated with the Pitted Ware culture. The site's primary feature is a burial ground with approximately 80 graves, some of which contain multiple individuals or are cenotaphs. Adjacent to the cemetery is a 'black area' of dark soil rich in artifacts, possibly indicating ceremonial functions or seal oil processing. A substantial faunal assemblage points to a diverse subsistence strategy, including hunting and fishing, with a focus on marine resources during the Pitted Ware phase, and later resurgence of cattle and sheep herding. The site provides valuable insights into the transition from foraging to farming in prehistoric Scandinavia.