Trelleborg revisited

A re-analysis of artefacts from the Viking Age ring fortress Trelleborg, Denmark, reveals that the majority of finds were concentrated in pits and topsoil, reflecting distinct areas of activity such as textile work, antler working, and soapstone cooking vessel production. The study, based on digitised data from 1934-42 excavations, identified 3,267 artefacts but noted an under-representation of plain pottery and some iron items, suggesting potential discard practices. Spatial distribution analysis showed no clear association between activities and specific buildings, challenging the notion of a sudden, unprepared destruction of the fortress.

Sindbæk, S. M., & Larsen, M. F. T. (2025). Trelleborg revisited. Danish Journal of Archaeology, 14(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.7146/dja.v14i1.152953