Verstehen
Fifty years since the Coppergate dig in York transformed our understanding of Vikings
Überblick
Marking fifty years since the major archaeological excavation at the Coppergate site in York, experts reflect on how the discovery of 40,000 Viking-era artefacts reshaped historical views of Vikings from violent raiders to traders and manufacturers, leading to the creation of the Jorvik Viking Centre.
Wichtige Punkte
- The five-year excavation at Coppergate in York took place between 1976 and 1981 after the demolition of a confectionery factory.
- Archaeologists and volunteers recovered 40,000 objects, including shoes, knives, socks, coins, and animal bones.
- The findings helped humanise Vikings by revealing evidence that they were traders and manufacturers rather than just violent warriors.
- The site attracted VIP visitors during the dig, including a young King Charles and members of the Norwegian and Danish royal families.
- The Jorvik Viking Centre was built three years after the excavation to display the artefacts and remains a popular educational attraction.