Sandby borg, Iron Age ringfort in Öland, Sweden
Sandby borg is an Iron Age ringfort on Öland with a circular design and limestone walls enclosing the settlement. The fort contains 53 stone house foundations arranged in a radial pattern, with three confirmed entrance gates visible as depressions in the perimeter wall.
The fort was established during the Iron Age and inhabited into the late Roman period before being destroyed in the late 5th century. Excavations reveal that inhabitants perished in a devastating attack, with their remains found where they fell.
The residents enjoyed a higher social standing, evident from imported Roman glass and silver ornaments found throughout the settlement. These objects show how the fort was connected to trade routes that reached far beyond the island.
The site is managed by Kalmar County Museum with ongoing excavations offering organized visits for researchers and educational groups. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the ground is uneven with exposed stone foundations and rough terrain.
The fort shows traces of a sudden end, with bones and objects remaining in their original positions, offering a unique window into a moment of destruction. This preserved snapshot allows archaeologists to understand daily life and the violence of that event in an unusual way.
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