Iron Age house and grave mounds in Solum, Skien

3D ModelNoAI

The model shows four grave mounds and a house after deturfing. Three mounds (3) lie on an upper, eastern terrace, the fourth and largest (2) in a lower western slope. All the mounds have been opened in the past, and are characterised by large plundering holes in the centre. Between the grave mounds, on the middle terrace, lies a house of nearly 40 m, oriented N-S (1). The south end of the house is marked by a row of large stones, and parts of the west side likewise built on stones. Along the east side a wide ditch was dug to drain rain water away from the house. The house is unusually well preserved, as the area has not been used for farming, and the structure has been protected in the forest. Thick layers of soil from the construction and from the use deposits create a slightly raised plateau. The soil gives us unique insights into the use and waste of the house. On the other hand, any post holes are hidden in the deposited strata, and will not be visible until the soil has been removed.