Research interests : Individual and society in Iron Age and the Middle Ages, Medieval Pilgrimage and pilgrim badges, Settlement archaeology and housing, burial practices, ritual and magic
Den arkeologiske undersøkelsen i traseen for gang- og sykkelveg ble foretatt i flere etapper, for... more Den arkeologiske undersøkelsen i traseen for gang- og sykkelveg ble foretatt i flere etapper, for å tilpasse fremdriften for anleggsarbeidet. Det er derfor utarbeidet 3 delrapporter for feltarbeidet foruten en rapport for innendørs utgravning av del av et gravanlegg. Utgravningene ble foretatt i 2000, mens den innendørs undersøkelsen ble foretatt i løpet av 2001-2002. Dessuten ble det foretatt kortere befaringer i forbindelse med mindre inngrep (busslommer, trase gjennom hage o.l.), uten at det medførte funn, og derfor heller ingen rapporter. Undertegnede har medvirket i arbeidet med tekster til infomasjonsplakater på hvileplasser langs gang- og sykkelvegen, som ble ferdig høsten 2002. Rapportene er følgende: Atle Omland: Undersøkelsene 8.mai-2.juni 2000 (struktumr. 1-401), Ole Chr. Lønaas: Undersøkelsene 4.-29. september 2000 (strukturnr. 501-735), Margrete F. Simonsen: Utgravning av preparat fra grav S-513. 2002, Tina Mathiesen: Undersøkelsen 25.-29. september 2000. (Overvannsledn...
Utgravningen på Kjeller vestre omfattet avdekking av 2 055 m² fordelt på tre felt (Lokalitet 1-3)... more Utgravningen på Kjeller vestre omfattet avdekking av 2 055 m² fordelt på tre felt (Lokalitet 1-3). Feltene lå i dyrket mark. Til sammen ble det funnet 47 strukturer av typen bosetnings- og aktivitetsspor. Kokegroper utgjorde den største funnkategorien og disse lå konsentrert på lokalitet 1 og 2. Det store antallet kokegroper og deres konsentrerte distribusjon viser at området må ha omfattet minst to kokegropfelt. Videre ble det undersøkt en smie og hulvei som viste seg å være fra nyere tid og ett fossilt dyrkningslag som ble datert til romersk jernalder. De radiologiske dateringene viser at aktiviteten hovedsakelig har foregått i romersk jernalder. Prosjektleder: Margrete F. Simonsen
In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Ty... more In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Tynset in the Østerdalen valley. This article studies the medallion’s shape, function and symbolical content. The object is interpreted as a pendant comparable with pilgrim badges from the late medieval period. The motifs are identified as Christian, representing the apocalyptical Mary with Christ on one side, and a passion and resurrection scene on the other. In this article, the medallion is compared to Norwegian and other European pilgrim badges and amulets with the same motifs, suggesting its origin most likely to be Aachen in Germany. Aachen was one of the most visited holy places for pilgrimage in Europe. The motifs can be connected to the Marian cathedral in Aachen, at the same time as expressing religious content regularly transmitted in the late medieval church. By comparing the motifs with Old Norse texts and images, the article demonstrates how the amulet’s religious messages po...
Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservati... more Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservation evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physical characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning, lending them an inherent power. The design, language of form, as well as the materials used are essential elements in creating the objects’ charisma and in forming the stories that are told about them. The present volume explores the concept of charismatic objects and their material world through nine papers focusing on historical examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages. Press link to get Open Access
In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Ty... more In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Tynset in the Østerdalen valley. This article studies the medallion's shape, function and symbolical content. The object is interpreted as a pendant comparable with pilgrim badges from the late medieval period. The motifs are identified as Christian, representing the apocalyptical Mary with Christ on one side, and a passion and resurrection scene on the other. In this article, the medallion is compared to Norwegian and other European pilgrim badges and amulets with the same motifs, suggesting its origin most likely to be Aachen in Germany. Aachen was one of the most visited holy places for pilgrimage in Europe. The motifs can be connected to the Marian cathedral in Aachen, at the same time as expressing religious content regularly transmitted in the late medieval church. By comparing the motifs with Old Norse texts and images, the article demonstrates how the amulet's religious messages potentially could influence the bearer-possibly a Norwegian pilgrim.
Charismatic objects from Roman Times to the Middle Ages, Cappelen Damm Oslo, 2018
This study will consider pilgrim badges and their contexts together with written sources relating... more This study will consider pilgrim badges and their contexts together with written sources relating to the pilgrim phenomenon in the Medieval Period. Pilgrim badges are mostly small, metal reliefs depicting saints, holy persons, crosses, symbols or natural shells which can be connected to a place and church where relics or other devotional objects are kept. The badges were bought at the holy place and brought home. Pilgrim badges consist of two main categories, as physical objects once fastened to the outfit (cloak, hat or bag) or as impressions, facsimile reliefs, cast on medieval church bells. In Norway a total of ca. 70 original badges have been found, including facsimile reliefs and molds. In the Nordic countries altogether the number is ca. 500, including ampullas. Most of the pilgrim badges can be dated to the High and Late Medieval period, ca. 1130–1537, but some of them cannot be dated with more accuracy. The main focus in this study will be on the Norwegian material, other European finds will be used as examples when relevant. The analysis consists of two levels: firstly, an individual level. Who were the pilgrims, what were their motives and where did they go? What did the badges mean to the owner? Transformation and change of social status through ‘rites de passage’, penance and indulgence are central. Secondly, a collective level, the Catholic church and the local community, will be considered. Included here are aspects of religion and magic. What was the relation of the badges to the pilgrims in medieval society, economically and socially? In relation to the function of the badges and their meaning, I want to find out how they were used as charismatic objects, and what charismatic effects they had. Were these objects perceived as a form of icon? By proximity to sanctity they were believed to have protective and healing powers. Finally, the term ‘pilgrim badge’ and its usefulness will be discussed, compared to ‘souvenir’.
During an excavation in 2002 of a grave site at the farm Jong in Bærum, a flat rock with carved f... more During an excavation in 2002 of a grave site at the farm Jong in Bærum, a flat rock with carved foot-sole figures was found. The stone was not found in the mound itself, but in a setting of stones just SE of the grave. The setting was a layer c. 20 cm deep consisting of burnt clay, ceramics, and burnt animal bones. The best point of departure for the dating of the complete site was the S-shaped shaving knife found in connection with the central mound. This dates the grave to Bronze Age Period IV. Rock carvings connected to graves are by and large rare in Scandinavia, but there are occasional finds, particularly in Norway, where there are more than 60 graves with such carvings. In the main, these are in SW Norway, more specially in Jæren in Rogaland. In Eastern Norway only a small number of rock carvings have been safely associated with grave finds. The Jong stone is the only one which has recently been professionally excavated. The foot-sole motif is a common symbol on the South-Scandinavian carvings; it is however, less common in grave context. Foot-sole motifs have been found both in the North- and South-Scandinavian tradition; in Karelia in Finland/Russia, in Brittany, on Roman grave-stones; and even in the Sinai desert. These foot-soles are an international symbolic sign, placing the Jong farm in a larger international perspective.
Arkeologiske undersøkelser 2001-2002, Kulturhistorisk museum, Universitetet i Oslo, 2007
In 2001 a deposit of 152 iron bars was found by coincidence during some digging work at Fogderu... more In 2001 a deposit of 152 iron bars was found by coincidence during some digging work at Fogderud farm in 0vre Eiker, Buskerud. The site was subsequently investigated by archaeologists, aided by an experienced person with a metal detector. The bars had been deposited in a pit dug adjacent to a rock outcrop. The deposit consisted of iron bars in various sizes, but the majority were of the socalled type R.438. Deposits of this kind has normally been ascribed to the Late iron Age and Viking period , but recent research has shown that bars of this type were also deposited in the Early Iron Age. A particularly feature of this hoard were the differences of types and s izes of the bars. In cooperation with The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, we have performed metallurgical analyses which has shown differences in the hardness and chemical composition of the larger and smaller bars. The larger bars were generally of a better quality than the smaller ones. A possible explanation is that the smaller bars were intended for a different purpose, i.e. to be smaller tools and/or objects were an even quality were of less importance. Norwegian archaeologists have traditionally assumed that iron bar deposits were not primarily manifestations of rituals, but more likely of an economic nature (like safekeeping of valuables). More research on the locations and contexts of the deposit , in combination with qualitative investigations of the artefacts, may nuance our interpretations.
Arkeologiske undersøkelser 2003-2004. Varia 77, 2009
Early in summer of 2004 an excavation area of about 4792 m² was surface stripped at the farm Fos... more Early in summer of 2004 an excavation area of about 4792 m² was surface stripped at the farm Foss in Sørum municipality. A cemetery of 10 ring ditches of ploughed out burial mounds was recovered together with about 182 cooking pits. The radiocarbon datings are from around 780 BC to 1240 AD. The cooking pits have been used from Younger Bronze Age period to the Merovingian/Viking periods. Few of the pits overlapped one another, and some of them were reused several times. Some of the cooking pits had a small pit beside itself. The site was organized after a distinct pattern: the cooking pits in a semicircle surrounding an area almost empty of traces. The ring ditches representing burial mounds were placed outside the semicircle of cooking pits. The ring ditches had an outer diameter from 9,5 to 18 m. Inside some of the ditches, remnants of soil/filling from the mound and some burials were preserved. 9 cremation burials were documented, and 3 of them were located outside the ring ditches. Of the graves were two urns, three possible cremation patches, one cremation pit, one burial placed in a ring ditch, and one grave consisting of a small concentration of burnt bones and artifacts together with charcoal. The artifacts from the burials consist of decorated pottery, decorated bone objects and combs, iron needles and glassbeads. Analysis of the bone material indicates one young individual, two double burials, and one possible adult woman. Bones from the ring ditches and the cooking pits consist mainly of animal bones, but some human bones were also identified. The graves are dated from Pre-Roman Iron Age up to the Migration period. The cooking pit activities pre-date the cemetery and continues into the period following the youngest grave.
Smykker-personlig pynt i kulturhistorisk lys, 2015
This paper discuss how hair is used in ritual and manipulated in different context, in Europe in ... more This paper discuss how hair is used in ritual and manipulated in different context, in Europe in the Iron Age and Medieval times. The power of hair concerns common beliefs across time and space. Hair is documented in rituals connected to passage rites and social status as burial and in power relations, as punishment (removing hair) and demonstrating power and high social status. Hair also is used as a an offering gift. In several cases a persons power was situated in the hair, according to their beliefs. Most known for this are probably the Merovingian kings, Samson and the Nazarites from the Bible, and the norwegian king Harald Fairhair. Also in the catholic church liturgy the use of liturgian combs for the priests show continuing and certain attitudes to the hair. Also in folk beliefs from the post-Medieval period hair is an element in the "trollposer" a personal tool-kit which contained hair and different amulets for magical purposes. The use of ritual combing as a mortuary practice, is described in the poem Sigedrivamål, and the same ritual is used in post-Medieval period. The hair and comb from a dead person was taboo, in later times. Beliefs according to hair and combs show continuity and attitudes to holy powers, identity, purity and pollution.
Den arkeologiske undersøkelsen i traseen for gang- og sykkelveg ble foretatt i flere etapper, for... more Den arkeologiske undersøkelsen i traseen for gang- og sykkelveg ble foretatt i flere etapper, for å tilpasse fremdriften for anleggsarbeidet. Det er derfor utarbeidet 3 delrapporter for feltarbeidet foruten en rapport for innendørs utgravning av del av et gravanlegg. Utgravningene ble foretatt i 2000, mens den innendørs undersøkelsen ble foretatt i løpet av 2001-2002. Dessuten ble det foretatt kortere befaringer i forbindelse med mindre inngrep (busslommer, trase gjennom hage o.l.), uten at det medførte funn, og derfor heller ingen rapporter. Undertegnede har medvirket i arbeidet med tekster til infomasjonsplakater på hvileplasser langs gang- og sykkelvegen, som ble ferdig høsten 2002. Rapportene er følgende: Atle Omland: Undersøkelsene 8.mai-2.juni 2000 (struktumr. 1-401), Ole Chr. Lønaas: Undersøkelsene 4.-29. september 2000 (strukturnr. 501-735), Margrete F. Simonsen: Utgravning av preparat fra grav S-513. 2002, Tina Mathiesen: Undersøkelsen 25.-29. september 2000. (Overvannsledn...
Utgravningen på Kjeller vestre omfattet avdekking av 2 055 m² fordelt på tre felt (Lokalitet 1-3)... more Utgravningen på Kjeller vestre omfattet avdekking av 2 055 m² fordelt på tre felt (Lokalitet 1-3). Feltene lå i dyrket mark. Til sammen ble det funnet 47 strukturer av typen bosetnings- og aktivitetsspor. Kokegroper utgjorde den største funnkategorien og disse lå konsentrert på lokalitet 1 og 2. Det store antallet kokegroper og deres konsentrerte distribusjon viser at området må ha omfattet minst to kokegropfelt. Videre ble det undersøkt en smie og hulvei som viste seg å være fra nyere tid og ett fossilt dyrkningslag som ble datert til romersk jernalder. De radiologiske dateringene viser at aktiviteten hovedsakelig har foregått i romersk jernalder. Prosjektleder: Margrete F. Simonsen
In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Ty... more In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Tynset in the Østerdalen valley. This article studies the medallion’s shape, function and symbolical content. The object is interpreted as a pendant comparable with pilgrim badges from the late medieval period. The motifs are identified as Christian, representing the apocalyptical Mary with Christ on one side, and a passion and resurrection scene on the other. In this article, the medallion is compared to Norwegian and other European pilgrim badges and amulets with the same motifs, suggesting its origin most likely to be Aachen in Germany. Aachen was one of the most visited holy places for pilgrimage in Europe. The motifs can be connected to the Marian cathedral in Aachen, at the same time as expressing religious content regularly transmitted in the late medieval church. By comparing the motifs with Old Norse texts and images, the article demonstrates how the amulet’s religious messages po...
Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservati... more Extraordinary objects, things that convey collective narratives as well as a record of conservation evoke extraordinary feelings. Both the physical characteristics of the objects and the myths surrounding them may increase their meaning, lending them an inherent power. The design, language of form, as well as the materials used are essential elements in creating the objects’ charisma and in forming the stories that are told about them. The present volume explores the concept of charismatic objects and their material world through nine papers focusing on historical examples dating from the Roman Period to the late Middle Ages. Press link to get Open Access
In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Ty... more In 2016, a metal detectorist found a circular lead medallion with iconography on both sides in Tynset in the Østerdalen valley. This article studies the medallion's shape, function and symbolical content. The object is interpreted as a pendant comparable with pilgrim badges from the late medieval period. The motifs are identified as Christian, representing the apocalyptical Mary with Christ on one side, and a passion and resurrection scene on the other. In this article, the medallion is compared to Norwegian and other European pilgrim badges and amulets with the same motifs, suggesting its origin most likely to be Aachen in Germany. Aachen was one of the most visited holy places for pilgrimage in Europe. The motifs can be connected to the Marian cathedral in Aachen, at the same time as expressing religious content regularly transmitted in the late medieval church. By comparing the motifs with Old Norse texts and images, the article demonstrates how the amulet's religious messages potentially could influence the bearer-possibly a Norwegian pilgrim.
Charismatic objects from Roman Times to the Middle Ages, Cappelen Damm Oslo, 2018
This study will consider pilgrim badges and their contexts together with written sources relating... more This study will consider pilgrim badges and their contexts together with written sources relating to the pilgrim phenomenon in the Medieval Period. Pilgrim badges are mostly small, metal reliefs depicting saints, holy persons, crosses, symbols or natural shells which can be connected to a place and church where relics or other devotional objects are kept. The badges were bought at the holy place and brought home. Pilgrim badges consist of two main categories, as physical objects once fastened to the outfit (cloak, hat or bag) or as impressions, facsimile reliefs, cast on medieval church bells. In Norway a total of ca. 70 original badges have been found, including facsimile reliefs and molds. In the Nordic countries altogether the number is ca. 500, including ampullas. Most of the pilgrim badges can be dated to the High and Late Medieval period, ca. 1130–1537, but some of them cannot be dated with more accuracy. The main focus in this study will be on the Norwegian material, other European finds will be used as examples when relevant. The analysis consists of two levels: firstly, an individual level. Who were the pilgrims, what were their motives and where did they go? What did the badges mean to the owner? Transformation and change of social status through ‘rites de passage’, penance and indulgence are central. Secondly, a collective level, the Catholic church and the local community, will be considered. Included here are aspects of religion and magic. What was the relation of the badges to the pilgrims in medieval society, economically and socially? In relation to the function of the badges and their meaning, I want to find out how they were used as charismatic objects, and what charismatic effects they had. Were these objects perceived as a form of icon? By proximity to sanctity they were believed to have protective and healing powers. Finally, the term ‘pilgrim badge’ and its usefulness will be discussed, compared to ‘souvenir’.
During an excavation in 2002 of a grave site at the farm Jong in Bærum, a flat rock with carved f... more During an excavation in 2002 of a grave site at the farm Jong in Bærum, a flat rock with carved foot-sole figures was found. The stone was not found in the mound itself, but in a setting of stones just SE of the grave. The setting was a layer c. 20 cm deep consisting of burnt clay, ceramics, and burnt animal bones. The best point of departure for the dating of the complete site was the S-shaped shaving knife found in connection with the central mound. This dates the grave to Bronze Age Period IV. Rock carvings connected to graves are by and large rare in Scandinavia, but there are occasional finds, particularly in Norway, where there are more than 60 graves with such carvings. In the main, these are in SW Norway, more specially in Jæren in Rogaland. In Eastern Norway only a small number of rock carvings have been safely associated with grave finds. The Jong stone is the only one which has recently been professionally excavated. The foot-sole motif is a common symbol on the South-Scandinavian carvings; it is however, less common in grave context. Foot-sole motifs have been found both in the North- and South-Scandinavian tradition; in Karelia in Finland/Russia, in Brittany, on Roman grave-stones; and even in the Sinai desert. These foot-soles are an international symbolic sign, placing the Jong farm in a larger international perspective.
Arkeologiske undersøkelser 2001-2002, Kulturhistorisk museum, Universitetet i Oslo, 2007
In 2001 a deposit of 152 iron bars was found by coincidence during some digging work at Fogderu... more In 2001 a deposit of 152 iron bars was found by coincidence during some digging work at Fogderud farm in 0vre Eiker, Buskerud. The site was subsequently investigated by archaeologists, aided by an experienced person with a metal detector. The bars had been deposited in a pit dug adjacent to a rock outcrop. The deposit consisted of iron bars in various sizes, but the majority were of the socalled type R.438. Deposits of this kind has normally been ascribed to the Late iron Age and Viking period , but recent research has shown that bars of this type were also deposited in the Early Iron Age. A particularly feature of this hoard were the differences of types and s izes of the bars. In cooperation with The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, we have performed metallurgical analyses which has shown differences in the hardness and chemical composition of the larger and smaller bars. The larger bars were generally of a better quality than the smaller ones. A possible explanation is that the smaller bars were intended for a different purpose, i.e. to be smaller tools and/or objects were an even quality were of less importance. Norwegian archaeologists have traditionally assumed that iron bar deposits were not primarily manifestations of rituals, but more likely of an economic nature (like safekeeping of valuables). More research on the locations and contexts of the deposit , in combination with qualitative investigations of the artefacts, may nuance our interpretations.
Arkeologiske undersøkelser 2003-2004. Varia 77, 2009
Early in summer of 2004 an excavation area of about 4792 m² was surface stripped at the farm Fos... more Early in summer of 2004 an excavation area of about 4792 m² was surface stripped at the farm Foss in Sørum municipality. A cemetery of 10 ring ditches of ploughed out burial mounds was recovered together with about 182 cooking pits. The radiocarbon datings are from around 780 BC to 1240 AD. The cooking pits have been used from Younger Bronze Age period to the Merovingian/Viking periods. Few of the pits overlapped one another, and some of them were reused several times. Some of the cooking pits had a small pit beside itself. The site was organized after a distinct pattern: the cooking pits in a semicircle surrounding an area almost empty of traces. The ring ditches representing burial mounds were placed outside the semicircle of cooking pits. The ring ditches had an outer diameter from 9,5 to 18 m. Inside some of the ditches, remnants of soil/filling from the mound and some burials were preserved. 9 cremation burials were documented, and 3 of them were located outside the ring ditches. Of the graves were two urns, three possible cremation patches, one cremation pit, one burial placed in a ring ditch, and one grave consisting of a small concentration of burnt bones and artifacts together with charcoal. The artifacts from the burials consist of decorated pottery, decorated bone objects and combs, iron needles and glassbeads. Analysis of the bone material indicates one young individual, two double burials, and one possible adult woman. Bones from the ring ditches and the cooking pits consist mainly of animal bones, but some human bones were also identified. The graves are dated from Pre-Roman Iron Age up to the Migration period. The cooking pit activities pre-date the cemetery and continues into the period following the youngest grave.
Smykker-personlig pynt i kulturhistorisk lys, 2015
This paper discuss how hair is used in ritual and manipulated in different context, in Europe in ... more This paper discuss how hair is used in ritual and manipulated in different context, in Europe in the Iron Age and Medieval times. The power of hair concerns common beliefs across time and space. Hair is documented in rituals connected to passage rites and social status as burial and in power relations, as punishment (removing hair) and demonstrating power and high social status. Hair also is used as a an offering gift. In several cases a persons power was situated in the hair, according to their beliefs. Most known for this are probably the Merovingian kings, Samson and the Nazarites from the Bible, and the norwegian king Harald Fairhair. Also in the catholic church liturgy the use of liturgian combs for the priests show continuing and certain attitudes to the hair. Also in folk beliefs from the post-Medieval period hair is an element in the "trollposer" a personal tool-kit which contained hair and different amulets for magical purposes. The use of ritual combing as a mortuary practice, is described in the poem Sigedrivamål, and the same ritual is used in post-Medieval period. The hair and comb from a dead person was taboo, in later times. Beliefs according to hair and combs show continuity and attitudes to holy powers, identity, purity and pollution.
Varia 70, Kulturhistorisk museum. Universitetet i Oslo., 2008
Sammendrag
Rv2-prosjektet er et eksternt finansiert utgravningsprosjekt ved Kulturhistorisk museu... more Sammendrag Rv2-prosjektet er et eksternt finansiert utgravningsprosjekt ved Kulturhistorisk museum med Statens Vegvesen som tiltakshaver. I løpet av 3 måneders feltsesong ble 6 lokaliteter undersøkt innenfor en strekning på ca. en mil. Totalt er det avdekket et areal på ca. 22 400 m² i dyrket mark. Hus og gård er et eget satsingsområde for Kulturhistorisk museum, og da med vekt på å frembringe kunnskap fra så mange boplasslokaliteter som mulig. Hovedmålsetningen med Rv2-prosjektet var derfor å undersøke den forhistoriske bebyggelsen på leirjordene i de berørte områdene. Kunnskapspotensialet ved en undersøkelse av de registrerte lokalitetene ble tidlig vurdert som stort. Resultatene ble bedre enn forventet: minst fem forhistoriske hustomter, en hulvei, en overpløyd gravhaug, en hel gård fra 16–1700- tallet og flere kokegropfelt. Undersøkelsene langs Rv2 har bidratt til ny kunnskap når det gjelder hustyper og kronologi, samt romlig organisering av boplasser og kokegropfelt. Et uventet resultat er at undersøkelsene også har kunnet belyse tekstilfremstilling ved røyting av hamp i middelalderen. Bruk av GIS som integrert del av feltvirksomheten, er også et satsingsområde ved museet. Dette ble derfor prioritert høyt ved undersøkelsene.
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Papers by Margrete F . Simonsen
The graves are dated from Pre-Roman Iron Age up to the Migration period. The cooking pit activities pre-date the cemetery and continues into the period following the youngest grave.
The graves are dated from Pre-Roman Iron Age up to the Migration period. The cooking pit activities pre-date the cemetery and continues into the period following the youngest grave.
Rv2-prosjektet er et eksternt finansiert utgravningsprosjekt ved Kulturhistorisk museum med Statens Vegvesen som tiltakshaver. I løpet av 3 måneders feltsesong ble 6 lokaliteter undersøkt innenfor en strekning på ca. en mil. Totalt er det avdekket et areal på ca. 22 400 m² i dyrket mark. Hus og gård er et eget satsingsområde for Kulturhistorisk museum, og da med vekt på å frembringe kunnskap fra så mange boplasslokaliteter som mulig. Hovedmålsetningen med Rv2-prosjektet var derfor å undersøke den forhistoriske bebyggelsen på leirjordene i de berørte områdene. Kunnskapspotensialet ved en undersøkelse av de registrerte lokalitetene ble tidlig vurdert som stort. Resultatene ble bedre enn forventet: minst fem forhistoriske hustomter, en hulvei, en overpløyd gravhaug, en hel gård fra 16–1700- tallet og flere kokegropfelt. Undersøkelsene langs Rv2 har bidratt til ny kunnskap når det gjelder hustyper og kronologi, samt romlig organisering av boplasser og kokegropfelt. Et uventet resultat er at undersøkelsene også har kunnet belyse tekstilfremstilling ved røyting av hamp i middelalderen. Bruk av GIS som integrert del av feltvirksomheten, er også et satsingsområde ved museet. Dette ble derfor prioritert høyt ved undersøkelsene.