Archaeology of Denmark

The Archaeology of Denmark has influenced the young science of archaeology fundamentally since its beginnings and continues to contribute with important finds and developments.

The history and prehistory of the area comprising the modern state of Denmark, presents an extraordinary rich and varied abundance of archaeological artifacts. Many different cultures has roamed or settled here since the end of the last ice age and left archaeological footprints in the landscape itself or beneath ground. In addition, the climate and natural conditions in Denmark proper, is exceptionally favourable for preservation. Boglands, shallow waters, a cold coastal climate with relatively small temperature variations throughout the seasons and other factors secures the natural preservation of ancient artifacts.

In addition to these factors, Denmark and Danish scientists has also played an important role in establishing archaeology as a science in the 1800s and continues to contribute with fundamental methods and discoveries to this science in general. Denmark and Danish archaeologists has a long history of both international collaborations and engagements and public outreach, education and mediation of the results of archaeology. Many Danish museums plays a leading role in public outreach and mediation.

Excavations

A treasure of medieval coins is being uncovered at the island of Møn.

In 1848 the National Museum of Denmark initiated a commission to investigate an interesting find of flint tools they had received in 1837. Prehistoric flint tools are abundant in Denmark, but these tools were found in a heap of ancient oyster shells. This indicated that the oyster shells might be the remains of some prehistoric activity, rather than ordinary natural deposits. The commission proceeded with an excavations in Northern Djursland and concluded in 1851, that some ancient shell heaps indeed were signs of human prehistoric activity; they were found to be kitchen middens and leftovers from their meals. The commission used the Danish term køkkenmødding to describe these shell heaps and the name was later Anglicised as "kitchen midden". A later commission initiated in 1893-1895, executed a large scale, thorough and interdisciplinary excavation at the Limfjord. The site is named Ertebølle and so the rich and defining archaeological find coined the now well-known Stone Age culture of Ertebølle. Apart from archaeology, participating scientific disciplines included botany, zoology and geology. Kitchen middens has since been viewed as important archaeological sites internationally.

The first submerged settlement excavated in Denmark was Tybrind Vig in 1977. The site was excavated over the following decade. 300 m from the shore and 3 m below the surface, divers excavated sensationally well-preserved artefacts from the Ertebølle Culture. A large kitchen midden was also found.

Notable archaeologists of Denmark

See also: List of Danes § Archaeologists

Name	Born	Died	Specialization	Achievements
Christian Jürgensen Thomsen	1788	1865		Introduced the universal three-age system
Jens Jacob Asmussen Worsaae	1821	1885		Played a key role in the foundation of archaeology as a science. Pioneered paleobotany and archaeological stratigraphy (in relation to the three-age system).
Sophus Müller	1846	1934
Georg F.L. Sarauw	1862	1928		Pioneered fossilized pollen studies and discovered the Maglemosian culture.
Peter Glob	1911	1985		Internationally recognized writer and mediator of archaeology. Internationally known for his excavations and investigations of bog bodies. Led several large scale archaeological expeditions to the Middle East.

Sources

• ICOM Denmark: The Danish ICOM Committee Official homepage of the Danish national committee of ICOM (International Council Of Museums) in English.
• Official English homepage of the Danish archaeological journal "Danske Museer".
• Nordisk Museologi: The Nordisk Museologi journal. Official homepage of the "Nordisk Museologi" (Nordic Museology) journal in English.

External links

• Excavating submerged Stone Age sites in Denmark: the Tybrind Vig example