Iron Age house and grave mounds in Solum, Skien

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The model reveals four imposing burial mounds and a dwelling after excavation. Three mounds (3) sit atop an elevated eastern platform, while the fourth and largest (2) occupies a lower western slope. All the mounds have been previously disturbed, boasting large plundering holes at their centers. Between the grave mounds, on a central terrace, lies a 40-meter dwelling oriented north-south (1). The southern end of the dwelling is marked by a row of massive stones, and parts of its western side are built on stone as well. Along its eastern edge, a broad ditch was dug to divert rainwater away from the house. This dwelling stands out for its exceptional preservation, thanks to the area's lack of agricultural use and its sheltered location within the forest. Thick layers of soil from construction and use have created a slightly elevated plateau. The soil offers unparalleled insights into the dwelling's use and waste patterns. However, any post holes are concealed in the deposited strata, rendering them invisible until the soil is removed.