Ellingstedt

A resting place of the Middle Ages?

Near the municipality of Ellingstedt, (amateur-) archaeologists discovered a Viking Age settlement and a road across the lowland. Protected by the Danevirke, a trade route ran here between the «North Sea port» of Hollingstedt and the important commercial town of Hedeby. Crossing the 16-km strip of land with wagons was far easier do to than the perilous voyage around the northern tip of Denmark. In 2013, excavations revealed the remains of houses as well as ceramics and basalt imported from faraway places.

Notable metal finds include brooches, arabian coins and weights as well as a sword pommel dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries and the preceding Migration Period. Given the exceptional range of finds, the proximity to the Danevirke and the possibility to control the flow of goods, the settlement in Ellingstedt must be regarded as what is called a sub-centre with members of the elite in the politically and socially organised hinterland of Hedeby.

 
 

◄ Hollingstedt

UNESCO Welterbe Danewerk

➤ Crooked Rampart

06_Krumwall 003.R
 
 
 

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A resting place of the Middle Ages?

Near the municipality of Ellingstedt, (amateur-) archaeologists discovered a Viking Age settlement and a road across the lowland. Protected by the Danevirke, a trade route ran here between the «North Sea port» of Hollingstedt and the important commercial town of Hedeby. Crossing the 16-km strip of land with wagons was far easier do to than the perilous voyage around the northern tip of Denmark. In 2013, excavations revealed the remains of houses as well as ceramics and basalt imported from faraway places.

Notable metal finds include brooches, arabian coins and weights as well as a sword pommel dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries and the preceding Migration Period. Given the exceptional range of finds, the proximity to the Danevirke and the possibility to control the flow of goods, the settlement in Ellingstedt must be regarded as what is called a sub-centre with members of the elite in the politically and socially organised hinterland of Hedeby.