Olsbro rune stone. This stone, like many other rune stones, is believed to have been carved as a memorial to the dead. It is engraved with runic inscriptions dating back to the early Middle Ages. Around 6000 rune stones have been discovered depicting references to Christianity, self promotion and to announce the deaths of loved ones. Rune stones are considered to be the first known literary source of Scandinavian history. Photographed in Vastergotland, Sweden.