Viking ship burial

A Viking ship burial was a funerary practice where elaborate ships were used to honor high-status individuals. The deceased, often a chieftain or noble, was placed on or inside a ship or a symbolic replica, which was then buried in the ground or sank to the sea floor. These burials included grave goods like weapons, jewelry, and treasures, reflecting the status and beliefs about the afterlife. The purpose was to ensure a respectful farewell and to provide the deceased with a proper passage to the afterlife, emphasizing their importance in Viking society.