Erritsø - new investigations of an aristocratic, early Viking Age manor in Western Denmark c. 700-850 AD

In 2006 and 2007 remains of an unusual Late Iron-Age and Early Viking-Age settlement came to light during a rescue excavation at Erritsø, a few hundred metres from the present older bridge connecting the Jutland peninsular with the island of Funen. Most conspicuous were a moat (110 by 110m square) and palisade which surrounded a prominent main hall building. The hall was connected with an inner fence and a small building. Investigations at the site were resumed in 2015. Geophysical investigation followed by archaeological excavation in 2016 revealed that the settlement was more extensive, and 14C-dating of samples from the new excavation provided dates in the 8th and 9th centuries. The site has a highly strategic location and was no doubt important both in practical terms and as a manifestation of control of land and sea traffic the area. Investigations have continued in 2018-19.