Uppåkra Settlement
Uppåkra
Sweden · Skåne
In brief
Occupied from approximately 100 BC to AD 1000, Uppåkra is one of southern Sweden's large Iron Age settlements. Excavations have uncovered large halls, a cult building and numerous metal artifacts indicating connections with distant regions.
What was found?
- 1Glass bowl with blue lotus decoration
It was found buried with an elaborate vessel beside the hearth in the cult building. Researchers associate its glasswork and decoration with production around the Black Sea.
- 2Drinking vessel with gold bands
The vessel, made of silver and copper, is decorated with gold bands. According to researchers, it may have been used in ceremonies at the sanctuary before being buried.
- 3Roman silver denarii
Numerous Roman coins were found at the settlement. These are tangible traces of Uppåkra's connections with the Roman world.
- 4Gold foils with human figures
Most of the thin foils known as Guldgubbar came from the cult building's postholes and wall trenches. The discovery of bronze dies used in production also demonstrates local manufacture.
What does it point to?
The finds indicate a community that maintained connections with distant regions and produced high-quality metalwork. According to researchers, the valuable objects deposited in the cult building show that ceremonial life held an important place at this center.
What did it teach us?
- Iron Age Uppåkra was connected to exchange networks spanning the continent.
- The dies found for the gold foils proved that valuable objects were also produced locally.
- The vessels buried together in the cult building documented the ceremonial context of valuable objects.
Images
Latest news / selected archive
In 2024, a Roman silver denarius minted in the name of Empress Faustina I was found near the long hearth in the occupation layer of the great hall.
Record
- Culture
- Southern Scandinavian Iron Age communities
- First modern dig
- 1934
- Team / historical
- Lund University; Hall on the Hill project
- Coordinates
- 55.6648°, 13.1699°
Sources
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- Trelleborg Viking Ring Fortress 124 km
- Wolin Silver Hill Settlement 222 km
- Jelling Royal Complex 235 km
- Hedeby Viking Trading Settlement 264 km
- Gjellestad Ship Burial 404 km
- Schöningen Spear Horizon 417 km
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- 12.000
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