The study notes that many early medieval law codes explicitly outlaw grave robbing, and refers to the "common sense" explanation many archaeologists have for such phenomenon: Theft or greed. Other scholars in the past have cited economic crises and a shortage in types of metals as possible reasons, and some have considered the greater Christianization of these areas as a factor, as this could have led to less instances of furnished burials.Complicating this even further is the fact that while some initially thought of this phenomenon as anomalous and abnormal, the study found that it was rather widespread, noting that "burial reopening was a common part of the life course of early medieval cemeteries."
However, archaeologists believe the removed items actually held deep significance for the people of the time, even if they had no practical or economic use. "Swords and brooches are some of the most significantly laden objects in the graves," lead study author Alison Klevnäs of Stockholm University told Live Science. "These were given as gifts and passed on as heirlooms; they're objects used to link people, including across generations. They bring stories and memories. So it's likely that they are retrieved for these reasons." Archaeologists explore medieval grave robbing phenomenon
The practice of reopening and removing items from graves soon after burial, traditionally known as 'robbing,' began its spread across Europe in the sixth century.
