G 319, Varangian runestone at Rute Church, Sweden.
G 319 is a limestone runestone located on the grounds of Rute Church in Gotland, bearing runic inscriptions carved into its surface. The stone shows skilled workmanship and was later integrated into the church, where visitors can examine it today.
The stone was carved in the medieval period and lay hidden beneath the church's wooden floor for decades until rediscovered during extensive restoration work in 1951. This recovery allowed scholars to study the runic inscriptions and their historical significance.
The stone preserves an inscription commissioned by Audvaldr's heirs to honor his memory and commemorate his death abroad. This type of memorial reflects how communities recorded significant journeys and losses through carved stone records.
The stone sits within or near the medieval church and is accessible throughout the year. Visitors should view the runic inscriptions from different angles to fully appreciate the carved details.
This stone stands out among regional runestone collections because its inscription specifically references Finland, a distant location for people of that era. This reference makes it a rare record of medieval long-distance travel from the far north.
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