Maeshowe, a large neolithic tomb
probably made around 2800 BC
on the Orkney Islands
in Scotland,
was looted by the Vikings Earl Harald Maddadarson and Ragnvald, Earl of Møre around the 12th century. Because of this, a lot of runic inscriptions can be found inside, making Maeshowe one of the largest collection of runic graffiti in Europe.
Here’s a few samples:
“Arnfithr Matr carved these runes with this axe owned by Gauk Trandilsson in the South land”
“Is to me said that treasure is here hidden
very well. Say few as Oddr”
“These runes were carved by the man most skilled in runes in the western ocean”
“Ingigerth is the most beautiful of all women”
“(…) Lif the earl’s cook carved these runes. To the north-west is a great treasure hidden. It was long ago that a great treasure was hidden
here. Happy is he that might find that great treasure. (…)”
