Temmuli

Temmuli is a group of ancient Norse pagan burials discovered in the Estonian island of Saaremaa, which is part of the Estonian islands. The site is situated near the village of Kuresaare and is dated to the 11th and 12th centuries.

The burials, numbering over 200, are noteworthy for their exceptionally well-preserved state, given the conditions of the site. The majority of the graves are simple inhumations, where the deceased was buried with their personal belongings. However, a few graves were constructed with stones, forming cists. The bodies were often accompanied by grave goods such as brooches, buckles, and other metal artifacts.

Accompanying the human remains, archaeological finds have included various artifacts, like knives, fuses, and ceramic pottery. Analysis of the burials and artifacts shed light on the funerary customs and practices of the Norse people living on Saaremaa during the medieval period. Furthermore, the data about grave goods, the life style of buried people and archaeological findings help to reconstruct conditions and cultural habits of those days.

The designation of Temmuli as a cultural-historical monument is recognized not just in Estonia, but also by UNESCO in the form of a Cultual Heritage and Natural Heritage list. Thus, the protection and maintenance of Temmuli as a historical and cultural site is guaranteed by international laws and regulations.