Medieval Artifacts

Overview

Stepping into the Medieval Artifacts section of The Settlement Exhibition in Reykjavik is to journey back over a thousand years, to the very genesis of Iceland's capital. This remarkable museum, known as 'Reykjavik 871±2', is built directly around the archaeological remains of one of the earliest human habitations in Iceland. It offers a unique and intimate encounter with the Viking Age, showcasing not just impressive ruins but also a rich collection of everyday objects that bring the lives of the first settlers into sharp focus. Discovered by chance during construction in 2001, these remnants became the foundation for a deeply engaging exhibition that blends preserved history with modern technology, allowing visitors to visualize and understand the harsh yet resilient existence of early Icelanders.

History & Cultural Background

The story of The Settlement Exhibition began unexpectedly in 2001 when construction workers on Aðalstræti, one of Reykjavik's oldest streets, unearthed archaeological ruins. What they found were the oldest relics of human habitation in the city: a wall fragment dating from roughly 871 AD and a longhouse from the 10th century. The precise dating to '871±2' refers to a layer of volcanic ash, or tephra, deposited around 871 AD from an eruption in the Torfajökull area. This tephra layer acts as a chronological marker, crucial for dating archaeological finds from the early years of Reykjavik's history. Recognizing the profound historical significance of these discoveries, the city decided to construct a museum around the excavation site itself, preserving the finds in their original context. This meticulous approach has allowed visitors to connect directly with the physical remnants of the Viking Age, understanding the cultural landscape that shaped the early Icelandic nation. The exhibition details how these resourceful Vikings built their homes and lived their lives in a challenging environment.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Medieval Artifacts display within The Settlement Exhibition apart is its core exhibit: the preserved remains of a 10th-century longhouse and a wall fragment dating to before 871 AD, found precisely where they stood over a millennium ago. This isn't a recreation in a distant gallery; it's an immersive experience directly within the archaeological site. Visitors can walk around these ancient foundations, gaining a profound sense of scale and the daily realities of the first settlers. The exhibition ingeniously combines these tangible relics with sophisticated multimedia presentations. Interactive screens and three-dimensional imagery allow guests to peer into the past, reconstructing what the longhouse and the surrounding landscape might have looked like. This blend of authentic archaeological remains with cutting-edge technology creates a powerful narrative, making the distant Viking Age feel remarkably immediate and accessible.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The collection of medieval artifacts at The Settlement Exhibition offers captivating glimpses into the lives, crafts, and even personal touches of Iceland's first inhabitants. Among the excavated items are everyday tools, fish-oil lamps, and an iron axe, illustrating the practical necessities of their existence. You might discover great auk bones, hinting at the local wildlife and their diet. A particularly fascinating find is a spindle whorl inscribed with runes, believed to be the oldest runic inscription discovered in Iceland. Imagine the hands that once spun wool with this very tool, leaving behind a coded message that endures to this day. Another remarkable artifact is a small glass fragment, identified as the oldest fragment of a Viking Age drinking vessel found in Iceland, a rare glimpse into their domestic luxuries. A decorative silver bracelet, stamped with triangles and three dots, speaks to their aesthetic sensibilities and personal adornment. These artifacts are more than mere objects; they are direct connections to individual stories and the broader cultural narrative of a society laying its foundations in a new, wild land. They reveal the ingenuity, artistry, and resilience of people carving out a life against the backdrop of an untamed landscape.

Visitor Perspective

As a visitor to the Medieval Artifacts section, you're not just observing; you're engaging with history. The carefully designed pathways guide you around the archaeological layers, allowing you to appreciate the longhouse foundations and the older wall fragment from various angles. The interactive displays are thoughtfully integrated, offering context without distracting from the genuine artifacts. Imagine standing beside the remnants of a Viking longhouse, then seeing a digital projection recreate its turf walls and smoky interior, populated by animated settlers going about their daily routines. Audio guides, available in multiple languages, enrich this experience, narrating the sagas and archaeological insights that bring the site to life. It's a journey that stimulates both the intellect and the imagination, making the distant past feel remarkably present. The exhibition is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that visitors of all ages can appreciate the profound history beneath their feet and the stories these ancient objects have to tell.