Iron Age

In 1978, a very rich Celtic grave mound at Hochdorf, a few kilometres North of Stuttgart was the archaeological sensation of the year. It was a very rich grave of about 550 BC and contained grave goods one had not dreamed of before.

The archaeological faculty of the University of Århus is situated in the old mansion Moesgård. It is well located, away from the city but not too far and surrounded by a forest like park adjacent to the beach. The 18th century Manor House of Moesgård is also home to an important archaeological and ethnographic museum. The permanent exhibition presents many unique archaeological finds from prehistoric Denmark.

As one of the first “offspring” of the 1960s Lejre approach, Vingsted Historiske Værksted was set up near Bredsten. It still plays an important role in the Danish network of archaeological education centres (Historiske Værksteder or historical workshops).

In the early 1970s, the Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier excavated at the “Altburg” near Bundenbach. This was the site of a Iron Age defended settlement between 170 BC and 50 BC in the West Celtic area.

The settlement Birka, at the island Björkö was hugely important in the Viking Period, around 750 AD. It was a key site in the Viking trading network, the nearby island Adelsö was the royal residence (Hovgården). The amount of artefacts excavated since the 19th century, the density of population is striking and following the excavations, both islands are UNESCO world heritage since 1993. The area had massive influence on this part of Europe.

On the bank of the river Daugava, Lielvarde was the site of a 13th century castle. Its ruins are still visible. Near the city centre, a 12th century fortified wooden settlement is reconstructed, called Uldevena koka pils. Uldevens is the name of a 12th century Latvian king. It is a private initiative based on archaeological samples supplied by scientific journals published in Latvia.

Near the Dordogne valley, a Bronze Age settlement was found at the foot of the Beynac castle. Once excavated, this site was turned into an archaeological open air museum, run by the Museum Association of the Sarladais area.

The Archeopark Rochefort is dedicated to the excavated remains that were consolidated, restored and partly renewed, of one of the biggest Romanian farms in the north of Gaul. A good reason to open the territory for the wide public. The association administrating the territory enable visitors to taste the atmosphere of the live of our Gallic Romanian ancestors.

The Préhistosite at Ramioul consists of caves used in Palaeolithic, an archaeological open-air museum, indoor education areas and a traditional museum.

The Bronze Age Village at Trewortha in Cornwall is attached to the Trewortha Farm Centre. It consists of Bronze Age roundhouse reconstructions on privately owned land, used for education purposes. The rich landscape of Bodmin Moor stood at the beginning of this initiative.