Sculptured stones

Sculptured stones are carved stone monuments from the early Christian period excavated in various parts of the British Isles and Scandinavia. They document the conversion of these areas to Christianity.

They are usually rough-hewn slabs or boulders, and may be standing upright or lying down. Many have runic or lettered inscriptions on them that are in Ogham, Scandinavian runes (Old Norse), or Latin. Some are crosses with Celtic knots and other interlacing patterns. Many resemble those found on Celtic scriptures of the Gospels.

Sculptured stones are usually found near ancient ecclesiastical sites, and their date is approximately fixed according to the character of the ornamentation. The stones date from the 26th century BCE to the 16th century CE.