One of the greatest Viking archeological finds of the last decade is the footprint of a large, Viking-era longhouse in Hune, Northern Denmark. Originally announced at the end of 2022, the building measures 130-foot long, 33-foot wide. It’s size suggests that there are more buildings in the area. Area residents likely used the Hune longhouse as a gathering place in addition to its day-to-day activities.
It’s the largest Viking find in the last 10 years. Between 10 and 12 oak beams supported the ceiling of the Viking hall.
“We have not seen anything like it before here in North Jutland, even though it has only been partially excavated,” North Jutland Museums Archaeologist Thomas Rune Knudsen says.
Hune Longhouse Owner?
Knudsen suggests that the longhouse could belong to Runulv den Rådsnilde, who had a nearby rune stone erected in his honor. The Hune church has the stone, which was created between 970 and 1020 CE, on its porch. The inscription reads: “Hove, Thorkil, Thorbjørn raised this stone for their father Runulv the Shrewd.”
“It is difficult to prove that the found Viking hall belonged to the family of Runulv den Rådsnilde, but it is certainly a possibility,” says Knudsen. However, “if nothing else, the rune stone and hall represent the same social class, and both belong to society’s elite.”
The design of the longhouse fits the era of Harald Bluetooth, namesake of today’s connecting technology and ruler in the 10th century.
Archeologists scheduled to have carbon dating and more excavations done by the end of 2023. That information has not been released as of the writing of this post.
Asgard Alaska is working to provide Alaskans and visitors to the state an authentic Viking experience. The Viking village will allow guests to experience life as it was for many Vikings. Your donation will allow us to bring history to life.
Sources: https://news.yahoo.com/news/remains-viking-hall-found-denmark-191044470.html
https://www.sci.news/archaeology/hune-viking-hall-11560.html
