Their smaar koupstader - omfang, struktur og oppkomst: Nye arkeologiske og geofysiske undersøkelser på Veøya

In 2019, new archaeological surveys and geophysical prospections were conducted at the deserted
medieval town ofVeøy, contributing to new knowledge on the extent and the structure of this early
urban settlement. The hitherto recognized extent was largely supported by measures of magnetic
susceptibility, yet with some new extensions. By combining geophysics and visual surveys - and studying
the material remains in relation to the landscape - we have suggested how different areas may
have had different functions. We have also shown how social relations may have been materialized
through monumental buildings, enclosures, road axes, and how the landscape also plays an active
role in the social structuration of urban space. Despite the challenges of interpreting, dating and
typologizing the various remains, we argue that the results may contribute to the discussion about
the urban origin and development and what role the town may have had in the Viking Age and the
early Middle Ages. Displaying a stratified social landscape, yet with a self-grown character - rapidly
expanding through the 10th and 11 th century - we are suggesting that the urban character emerged
from a recently established seat of power - possibly a royal estate?