Excavations spring and summer 2015

Today start this years excavations in Gamla Uppsala. It has been possible due to a generous donation by Berit Wallenberg foundation.

This year’s excavation starts with Uppsala ancient monument no 285 and proceeds with nos 123 and 263.

Uppsala 285 is a large and most likely a varied settlement area. To the west it consists of a large area probably with several farms, partly with continuity from the 2nd up to the 12th centuries but mainly with 6/7th -11th century remains. In the central part, the density of features is considerably sparser, largely because the surface is very moist due to seasonally waterlogging. In the eastern part there is a previous, partially excavated enclosure or road construction from 6/7th century which in turn is on top of an older settlement. During May we will excavate a bit of the western part which lies adjacent to the central parts of the royal manor area. It has so far been difficult to identify distinct constructions and features from the Viking period in this area. In this case we think there are good chances to find substantial parts of houses and maybe also crafts. Especially finds from the area indicate a quite rich settlement area from the Viking Age, right below the large plateaus from the Vendel period.

Specific objectives for Uppsala 285 are:

• To clarify and make a closer dating of the settlement.
• Investigate how the ancient monument preservation and future threats.
• Investigate whether the densification of precious metals indicate a scrap depot, a precious metal workshop, or if it have other explanations.
• Produce a basis for a discussion if it is a single farm or part of a larger complex of farms.
• Contribute to a deeper knowledge about the similarities and differences between different farms in Gamla Uppsala as a whole as well as to diffuse structures in a Royal Demesne area.