Archaeologists discovered a 2,000-year-old temple in a Danish Iron Age settlement
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Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old temple in Denmark – giving a glimpse of the mysterious, once-powerful community that built it.
The Museum of Central Jutland (Museum Midtjylland) has revealed the discovery of a temple in Hedegård, an ancient site containing Scandinavia’s “largest and richest burial site”, according to its website. The latest excavations began last August.
Hedegård, located near Ejstrupholm north of the Skjern River, has been identified as Denmark’s largest settlement dating back to “the time of the birth of Christ,” the museum said.
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Working with researchers from Museum Horsens and Moesgaard Museum, archaeologists found evidence of a large fortified area that once served as a regional power center during the Iron Age.
The settlement produced luxury goods, weapons from the Celtic tribes and “prestige” items from Roman workshops.
Archaeologists in Denmark have discovered a 2,000-year-old temple in Hedegård, an area identified as a major Iron Age power center. (Museum Midtjylland)
Evidence shows settlement “flourished in the age leading up to the birth of Christ.”
The museum said “this is where we see the rich graves and many weapon graves in the cemetery north of the village.”
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But the crown jewel of the excavation was the temple – which measured about 49 by 53 feet.
“The structure probably looked like a long, almost square, tower-like structure with an outer porch.”
The building had burned down. Beneath the charred layer, the diggers found traces of the “temple’s two stages” which provide insight into its history.
“Right in the center there was ua [6 x 6 foot] raise the clay court,” officials said.
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“In a small section, a decorated hearth was built here, covering part of the former hearth. The small temple was moved [30 inches] north compared to the old one, but it was almost the same. The old hearth remained untouched – a new one was built over it.”
The pagan structure was built between 50 BC and 50 AD, according to the archeologist. (Museum Midtjylland)
Archaeologists also found fragments of concrete that suggest that the walls of the temple were once painted white.
“Preliminary results suggest that the temple was active in the decades surrounding the birth of Christ,” the site said.
“This building appeared to be a tall, almost square, tower-like building with an outer porch. A fireplace filled the interior.”
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The museum also said, “The temple was carefully washed before it was deliberately burned, leaving few finds. However, two special glass beads were found – possibly produced in the Middle East or Egypt.”
The site has been the subject of scholarly interest since Danish archaeologists discovered an unusual number of richly decorated tombs in the late 1980s.
“Christianity did not arrive in Scandinavia until almost a thousand years later.
“It remains unique in Northern European archeology – an early and unparalleled manifestation of military, economic, and religious power,” the museum said in a statement.
Ever since the site was discovered three decades ago, archaeologists have known that the site was “something completely different,” said Martin Winther Olesen, archeologist.
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“When our geophysical survey revealed the fence in the area it became clear that this was something strange,” he said.
Olesen identified the temple as a pagan structure, built between 50 BC and 50 AD
Richly decorated tombs and burials of many weapons to the north of the settlement attracted the attention of scholars in the late 1980s. (Museum Midtjylland)
“Christianity did not reach Scandinavia until about 1,000 years later,” he said – adding that Hedegård had “long foreign ties” including knowledge of Celtic and Roman architectural traditions.
Evidence seems to suggest that Hedegård was only used for three generations before it disappeared.
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All the evidence proves that Hedegård had “what it takes to be an early Iron Age powerhouse,” Olesen said – and said he could talk about the place “for two hours straight.”
“This place is in a good location and controls the most important road through Jutland,” said the expert. “There is a clear war in the form of weapons, but also the construction of a fortress.”
The Iron Age, outlined above, was often marked by military power, expanding trade networks and religious practices, all of which archaeologists say were on full display at the Hedegård site in Denmark. (Museum Midtjylland)
He added, “There are political officials, monumental buildings, there are handicrafts and trades and – of course – it is the center of the practice of this sect.”
The official noted that the discovery was made only thanks to “highly skilled archeologists and researchers from Denmark and other countries.”
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“It’s an incredible honor to be allowed to work with someone with such an international perspective,” said Olesen.
