Studies of ancient DNA on skeletons from two migration period cemeteries in Hungary and Italy tells us in detail about the social structure in the 6th and 7th centuries.
Category: Medieval Archaeology
Avaldsnes – Norway’s Oldest Royal Seat
The famous royal seat at Avaldsnes on the West-coast of Norway is best known as the residence of Harold Fairhair, but excavations tell us about a splendid royal hall from the 13th century
New Finds at Haithabu in Northern Germany
This summer archaeologists excavate a burial ground from 10th century Haithabu. Spectacular finds may shed further light on the elite lifestyle of Vikings
19th-Century Peasant Dashed Archaeologists’ Hopes in Fregerslev
Hopes of finding a full burial ground surrounding the grave of the Fregerslev Viking have been dashed. But finds of blingy harness and numerous arrows exite
Will the Medieval Newport Ship once again Sail on the Usk?
Plans are being made to have the Medieval Newport Ship from the 15th century recreated by a Basque Heritage Group, the Albaola.
Climate and Migrations in Early Medieval Germany
What role did the Early Medieval climate changes play in the creation of the post-Roman world? Did people migrate because of the cooling weather?
Early Viking Settlement Beneath St. Olaf’s Shrine
In 2016, the the church of St. Clemens where St. Olaf was buried was located by archaeologists in Trondheim. Now, it seems, an early Viking settlement has been found below.
Early Medieval Irish Hand-Bells
Hand-bells belong to a group of liturgical objects connected with the early Irish Church. Was Ireland the primary production centre? Or did Irish hand-bells just play aparticular role as significant relics?
Poggibonsi In the Middle Ages
Medieval Poggibonsi in Tuscany was a fortified hilltop village. Now an open-air museum, it is dedicated to authenticity and faithful recreation.
Agrarian Life in Early Medieval Hilltop Villages in Italy
From c. 550 CE, Italy experienced a significant agrarian decline. Grain harvests still mattered, but a new diet came to reflect the new uphill location
Castle of Miranduolo
In the last 20 years archaeologists have excavated the castle of Miranduolo near Siena documenting a continuous habitation from the 8th to the 14th century.
Valmarecchia – an Italian Medieval Landscape
Changes in the Medieval Italian landscape were often dramatic. And, yet, micro-studies of Valmarechia in Emilia Romagna, reveal both continuity and change.
Medieval Hilltop Villages and Castles in the Italian Landscape
The history behind the castle-building on hilltops in the medieval Mediterranean landscape – the incastellamento or incastellation – is nuanced
The Fregerslev Viking From Outside Hørning
Sensational find of several chamber graves from the later part of the Viking Age at Fregerslev in Denmark witness to the ethos of the Viking warriors
Deserted Medieval Landscape near Pier in the Northern Rhineland
Between Jülich and Düren in Northern Rhineland lies a bleak landscape scarred by lignite mining. Beneath lies a precious time warp of a medieval landscape
Viking Age War Fleets
Studies of Vikings and their pirating and warfare seldom pause to reflect upon the enormous investment, the ships represented. New book sets this right.