New archaeological excavations at Uppsala demonstrates the existence of an elite settlement near the famous royal mounds
Uppsala is much more than an impressive royal burial-ground from the Swedish Iron Age. In connection with the construction of a new railway, archaeologists are currently excavating more than 70.000 m2 north and east of the famous mounds. A little while ago they closed the digs off for the winter and unveiled some of the more remarkable findings so far.
What has been discovered are amongst other things the traces of a very compact settlement dating from the 6-7th century, seemingly unique for its time. According to the archaeologists, the houses were large and built close to each other. In the houses were found traces of metal- and textile-working as well as a remarkably large collection of amulets and traces of sacrificed animals in potholes.
The new finds are sporadically reported as news, but it seems as if they complement what is otherwise known about the beginnings of this remarkable place, steeped in mythology. Here medieval chroniclers could report that not only ancient Swedish kings were said to have been buried in the mounds, but also their ancestor, the heathen god Frej. Other chroniclers (Adam of Bremen) could tell how a golden temple had stood betwixt the mounds and been the scene for human sacrifices and other unspeakably heathen acts.
Archaeology
However, more pertinent than the myths are the results from the archaeological excavations, which have been going on since the mid-19th century. From these it appears that the mounds were erected around 500 – 600 on a ridge, meant to be seen from afar. Unfortunately the rich burials were set aflame as part of the rites and the remains are fragmentary. Nevertheless it is believed that the buried individuals were laid to rest on bearskins and gifted with an exotic selection of paraphernalia – drinking-horns, helmets, weapons and jewelry as well as sacrificed animals such as dogs, horses, cattle and sheep. Amongst the finds in the eastern mound were also the bones of a falcon. It is generally believed that the fragments mirror the treasures found at Valsgärde, which may be seen at the Gustavianum – University Museum in Uppsala ; and which mirror the treasures found at Sutton Hoo.
New finds
The new archaeological excavations seem to have found (part of a )settlement next to the graves of the elite warriors, who were presumably buried in the mounds (and elsewhere southwest of the large mounds). Apart from mythological kings, it seems that real people actually lived there!
Next year (2013) excavations will continue. The results are planned to be published scientifically and on the net in 2017. It is expected to give a better understanding of the history of the place reaching from at least 500 – 1164, when Uppsala became an archdiocese and the city moved to the South.
SOURCE:
Utgrävningar i Uppsala visar fornnordisk kult