Radar Discovery Of Unknown Viking Age Stone Ship, Burial Mounds And Houses In The Trondheim Fjord

AncientPages.com | March 28, 2023 | Archaeology, News, Vikings

Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - Archaeologists using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) have discovered traces of previously unknown graves and settlement activity at several locations along Trondheim Fjord. Scientists hope these discoveries can shed light on state formation, national unification, and religious change in Norway a thousand years ago.

Visible from above: Aerial photo of Vinne shows crop markings in the field, revealing the presence of houses and graves. The archaeologists had hope of finding additional structures with GPR. Photo: Lars Forseth, Trøndelag county municipality.

Using motorized GPR over a period of two weeks in August 2022, researchers examined a total of 35 hectares in the areas Storfosna in Ørland municipality, Vinne in Verdal municipality, and Vinnan-Auran in Stjørdal municipality.

The science team now reports the results of this intriguing archaeological study revealing several interesting discoveries. According to the NIKU scientists, the findings point to the presence of sizable farms in the area during the Late Iron Age. Based on the current archaeological discoveries, scientists think it is possible GPR could uncover further traces of plowed-out houses, burial mounds, and other structures invisible to the naked eye. Even so, the archaeologists were surprised by the quality of their results.

Discovery of Previously Unknown Houses and Graves

Drone- and aerial photography revealed the great potential lying within the cultivated fields at Vinne in Verdal. The GPR survey showed the presence of several previously unknown burial mounds, which were round, oval, and star-shaped in plan.

Graves and settlement under ground: GPR depth slices (left) and data interpretation with remains of graves and settlement highlighted (right). Map: Manuel Gabler, NIKU.

A large number of graves indicates a substantial burial ground in the vicinity. In addition, several longhouses from the Iron Age period were found, which can probably be linked to this burial ground.

"In total, 31 graves were registered, of which 8 were star shaped. A series of indentations reflecting the impressions left by stones were also found. They appear to form the outline of a boat which could suggest the presence of a possible 48×17 m stone “ship,” NIKU reports.

Thanks to these new explorations, we now know that Vinne must have been an extensive farm complex, with several houses, a large burial ground, and hollow ways.

That insight, and this type of research in general, gives us a new comprehensive framework for interpreting the evolution of the Iron Age farm and the broader changes observed in the Late Iron Age and early Middle Ages.

Archaeologists Can “See” Under Ground

Much of the existing knowledge about the sites has come from analyses of loose finds, metal detector surveys, drones, aerial photography, and LIDAR data.

Beautiful pendants. Great metal detecor finds at Vinne. Photo Åge Hojem NTNU University Museum.

"With geophysical surveys, we get an unique opportunity to “see underground” without needing to use a shovel," says archaeologist and GPR expert Manuel Gabler of NIKU.

"We also discover a wide range of sites and monuments that enriches our understanding of society in the Late Iron Age. We also hope to encounter evidence for trade and craft activities," he says.

Geophysical methods, in combination with aerial photography, LIDAR, and find analyses, provide a good indication of what lies beneath the ground.

Efficient Use of a Non-Destructive Method

"These are so-called “non-intrusive” methods, i.e., methods that do not directly interfere with the subsoil," Gabler explains.

Geophysical surveys constitute one of several novel technological methods increasingly used by archaeologists around the country. In this case, it involves attaching a GPS-controlled radar to a four-wheel drive, which can cover 3-4 hectares per day.

"Using software able to process large amounts of data in a short time means we have the results in just a few days," says Gabler.

Not visible over ground: The GPR data shows seven star shaped graves, two long burrows, six circular graves and traces of a possible stone "ship". Interpritation: Manuel Gabler, NIKU.

"The surveys in Trøndelag county last autumn showcase the tremendous potential geophysical methods represent for archaeological exploration of large areas. It will by no means replace traditional digs, but it’s a great supplement, especially for archaeological registration.

We may also go in and examine some of the finds in more detail, in order to get a better understanding of what the data shows us," he concludes.

Exciting Research Project

The surveys carried out so far are the start of what archaeologists hope will turn into a larger research project.

The project “Farmers on Land – Vikings at Sea” is a collaboration between the NTNU University Museum, Museums Arven, Trøndelag County Municipality, and the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU).

– In this project, we will study the social development and events that led up to the Battle of Stiklestad, says project manager and archaeologist Geir Grønnesby of the NTNU University Museum.

The GPR method is a non-destructive method, where you can see below the ground without intervention in the underground. Photo: Manuel Gabler, NIKU.

The central topic will be the major historical changes in the Late Iron Age/Viking Age, primarily in Nordmøre and Trøndelag.

The GPR surveys show there is new insight and knowledge to be gained about society in the Late Iron Age.

"The farm was at the centre of events in the Late Iron Age. Thus, the farm itself and its complex structures serve as the starting point for any discussion around the extensive upheavals that took place in the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages," says Grønnesby.

Archaeologists are constantly making methodological progress, and it won’t be long until they really can “see underground.”

There will undoubtedly be many more archeological discoveries to report from this area.

Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer