Early medieval towns have since long been the object of archaeological investigations. In many cases, details about the complex town stratigraphy and its composition are insufficient or lacking. This dissertation investigates how micromorphology, the microscopic study of soils and sediments, can contribute to the research of Scandinavian Viking-Age towns. Twelve samples from a building and pathway from Kaupang, Norway were analysed and compared to previous analyses from the site. The study revealed the domestic function of the building, its occupation deposits and the pathway deposits. The research demonstrates that micromorphology has the potential to refine data resolution at severely bioturbated sites through the characterisation of initial settlement phases, post-depositional processes, differentiation between natural and man-made features, clarification of site stratigraphy and structure and use of buildings and features. These results were extrapolated to formulate concrete research possibilities at other Scandinavian sites, and early medieval urban sites in general.
| Date of Award | 2012 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Charles French (Promotor) |
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- micromorphology
- Viking Age
- Kaupang
- early medieval
- towns
- Birka
- Ribe
- Hedeby
- geoarchaeology
A micromorphological approach to Early Medieval towns and trading places: the case study of Viking-age Kaupang, Norway
Wouters, B. ((PhD) Student), French, C. (Promotor). 2012
Student thesis: Master's Thesis