Remarkable Near-Complete Iron Age Skeleton Discovered at Oksvoll in Ørland

Here’s a breakdown of the text provided, focusing on the key facts:

Main Subject: A rare archaeological find in Norway – an almost complete skeleton discovered in a grave dating back to around 700 AD.

Key details:

* Discovery: Archaeologists have unearthed an old tomb and a well-preserved skeleton. The grave itself is approximately 2×2 meters in size.
* Time Period: The grave dates back to around 700 AD (approximately 1300 years ago).
* Importance: Raymond Sauvage (senior engineer at the NTNU Science Museum) calls the find “very, very, very rare”.
* Context: Most skeletons found in Norway are from the Middle Ages and usually discovered in cemeteries. this find appears to be different due to its age and perhaps its location (not in a known cemetery).
* images: The text is accompanied by two images:
* Archaeologists digging up the skeleton.
* The excavation site in a field.

source: The images are credited to Roy Søreng / NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation).

What specific soil conditions at Oksvoll contributed to the remarkable preservation of the Iron Age skeleton?

The oksvoll Find: A Window into Norway’s Iron Age

A truly exceptional archaeological discovery has been made at Oksvoll, near Ørland in Trøndelag county, Norway. Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved, near-complete Iron Age skeleton, offering unprecedented insights into the lives and burial practices of people who inhabited the region over two millennia ago. This important find is already reshaping our understanding of the Norwegian Iron Age and the communities that thrived there. The excavation, conducted by the NTNU University Museum, is generating considerable excitement within the archaeological community.

Details of the Skeleton and Burial

The skeleton, believed to be that of an adult male, was discovered during preliminary investigations ahead of planned infrastructure progress. The preservation is exceptional, attributed to the specific soil conditions at Oksvoll – a combination of clay and marine sediment creating a low-oxygen habitat conducive to bone preservation.

Here’s a breakdown of key details:

* Dating: Radiocarbon dating places the burial within the late Iron Age, approximately 200-400 AD – the Migration Period.

* Grave Goods: While not lavishly furnished, the grave contained several artifacts, including:

* A simple iron knife.

* Fragments of pottery.

* A bronze brooch, suggesting status or affiliation.

* Skeletal Analysis: Initial osteological analysis indicates the individual was approximately 1.75 meters tall, relatively tall for the period.Evidence suggests a physically demanding lifestyle.Further analysis will focus on identifying potential signs of illness, injury, and diet.Osteoarcheology is playing a crucial role in this process.

* Burial Position: The skeleton was found in a flexed position, a common burial practice during the Iron Age.

The importance of Oksvoll for Iron Age Research

The Oksvoll discovery is especially critically important for several reasons. Firstly, the completeness of the skeleton allows for detailed anthropological study. Secondly, the context of the burial – its location within a known settlement area – provides valuable information about Iron Age settlements and social structures.

Understanding Migration Period Life

The Migration Period in Norway was a time of significant change, marked by increased contact with other cultures and evolving social dynamics. the Oksvoll skeleton offers a tangible link to this period, helping researchers understand:

1. Dietary Habits: Isotope analysis of the bones will reveal information about the individual’s diet, including the proportion of marine and terrestrial resources consumed. This will contribute to a broader understanding of Iron Age foodways.
2. Health and disease: Examination of the skeleton can reveal evidence of diseases, injuries, and nutritional deficiencies prevalent during the Iron Age.
3. Mobility and Ancestry: Genetic analysis, if possible, could provide insights into the individual’s origins and potential migration patterns. Ancient DNA analysis is becoming increasingly important in archaeological research.

The Broader Archaeological Context of Ørland

Ørland has a rich archaeological history, with numerous finds dating back to the Stone Age and Viking age. The area’s strategic location along the coast made it a hub for trade and settlement.

* Previous Discoveries: Prior excavations in Ørland have uncovered remnants of longhouses, burial mounds, and other features indicative of a thriving Iron Age community.

* The Oksvoll settlement: The current excavation is part of a larger project to investigate the Oksvoll settlement, which is believed to have been a significant regional center.

* Coastal Archaeology: The site’s proximity to the sea makes it particularly valuable for studying coastal archaeology and the relationship between Iron Age communities and the marine environment.

Preservation and Future Research

the skeleton has been carefully removed from the site and transported to the NTNU University Museum for further analysis and preservation. The museum plans to conduct a comprehensive study of the remains, utilizing advanced scientific techniques.

* Conservation Efforts: Specialized conservators are working to stabilize the bones and prevent further deterioration.

* Public Access: The museum intends to eventually display the skeleton and associated artifacts to the public, providing an chance for people to learn about Norway’s iron Age heritage.

* Ongoing Excavations: Archaeological work at Oksvoll is ongoing, with the potential for further discoveries that could shed even more light on this fascinating period of history. Archaeological digs continue to reveal new information.