Stone circle (Iron Age)

A minor stone circle in Brändåsen (59°02′N 14°36′E / 59.04°N 14.60°E / 59.04; 14.60), Hardemo parish, Närke. Although, Närke is north of the main distribution area, the province has 50 remaining stone circles

The stone circles of the Iron Age (c. 500 BC – c. 400 AD) were a characteristic burial custom of southern Scandinavia and Southwestern Finland, especially on Gotland and in Götaland.

Finland court stones are found in Eura, Ulvila and Kokemäki. They date typically during the Pre-Roman Iron Age and the Roman Iron Age. In Sweden, they are called Domarringar (judge circles), Domkretsar (judge circles) or Domarsäten (judge seats). In Finland they are called Käräjäkivet (court stones). In some places in Nordic countries they were used until 17th century.

They should not be confused with earlier bronze age and neolithic Stone circles in the British Isles and Brittany.