I hövdingens kök?: Arkeologisk undersökning i Gamla Skogsby oktober 2019

This report presents the results from an archaeological excavation of an Iron Age house foundation at Gamla Skogsby, Öland, Sweden. The investigated area is rich in prehistoric remains, not least from the mid-Iron Age which is the period of concern here (c. AD 400–550). The house investigated is part of a large farm, just next to an exceptionally large building usually regarded as a cheiftains hall. The finds and observations from the excavation suggest that the house concerned is not a small square building as was previously suggested, but is in fact a long house with finds of ”household” character and some emphasis on preparation of food. An elaborate fireplace construction involving a large limstone slab and two heavy posts possibly supporting a roasting spit was found, together with large amounts of carbonised organic remains possibly consisting of animal fats.