Investigating Early Medieval Wolin
July 17, 18:01
An archaeological project focused on the early medieval site of Wolin in Poland is working to locate a historic harbor and clarify the Scandinavian role in the region's development. Excavations have already uncovered 10th-century layers, with researchers hoping to reach deposits from the 9th and 8th centuries. During last year's dig, four wooden huts dating to roughly the 11th century were discovered.
Among the artifacts found this season are:
- amber beads
- metal ornaments
- pottery
- clay spindle whorls
- whetstones imported from quarries in Norway
The project is led by researchers from the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IAE PAN) and Aarhus University. They are investigating the northern district of early medieval Wolin, a town located in northwestern Poland. Dr. Wojciech Filipowiak, one of the project leaders, notes:
“We hope to uncover fragments of the harbor, which was the most important element of towns at that time.” — Dr. Wojciech Filipowiak.
He also remarks that “the most interesting layers are still beneath us. They date from the period of Wolin's founding, and archaeologists continue to debate how much Scandinavians and Vikings contributed to its creation.”
The research is particularly significant because “this site offers exceptional preservation conditions, as the waterlogged, oxygen-free soil has protected organic materials that would normally decay over time.” Filipowiak adds that “early medieval towns in this part of Europe were built mainly from wood,” which has helped preserve structures such as huts and streets.
Research Prospects
The layout of the discovered huts “strongly resembles buildings known from Scandinavian craft and trade settlements founded by Vikings around the Baltic.” This may indicate that “Silver Hill held special significance for Scandinavian communities.” Excavations are ongoing, and researchers hope for new finds that could shed light on the history of this important region.
This project represents a major step in studying early medieval European history, particularly regarding the influence of Scandinavian cultures on local settlements. The artifacts and structures uncovered could help clarify trade and cultural connections between regions, as well as the role Vikings played in shaping the socio-economic systems of the time. Continued excavations at Wolin promise new discoveries that may significantly enhance our understanding of this era.