Kaupang, Archaeological site in Vestfold, Norway
Kaupang is an archaeological site in Vestfold where excavations have uncovered house foundations, workshops, and a harbor from an early medieval trading settlement. The site reveals the remains of a complex community with distinct areas for living, craftsmanship, and maritime activity.
The settlement emerged around 800 and was one of the first urban centers in Norway, serving as a major trading post until the 10th century. Its development shows how Scandinavia integrated into European trade networks during the High Middle Ages.
The objects found here show connections to distant regions—glass, ceramics, metals, and rare materials tell of intense trade exchange. These items reveal how open this place was to commerce and contact with other peoples.
The site is located near Larvik and offers interpretive displays explaining the excavated areas and artifacts from different periods. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the ground is uneven, and weather protection is recommended.
Radar surveys without disturbing the soil have identified over 140 burial mounds and numerous building structures at this location. This technology allowed archaeologists to understand the settlement without destroying it through extensive excavation.
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