2010:2 - SAU

Summary
In anticipation of the construction of a new stretch of the
E18 motorway between Örebro and Karlskoga, an archaeological
investigation was carried out on an ancient site
(RAÄ 84: 1-2) at Västra Via, Vintrosa parish, in the province
of Närke (Örebro County). The excavation was conducted
by the Societas Archaeologica Upsaliensis (SAU)
from June 7 to November 3, 2005, following a decision
from the County Administrative Board of Örebro County
(Act No 431-04813-2005).
Västra Via lies on the north boundary of the Närke
Plain, where this gives way to forest land on the Eastern
slope of the Latorp plateau. Encompassing approximately
27 000 square metres, the investigated area was situated
on a moraine height, in parts fairly rocky, with an elevation
of 60 to 66 m. a. s. l.
The investigated area has been tilled in historical times.
There were several clearage cairns, many consisting of
cleared stone deposited around central boulders. Adjacent
to the southern part of the investigated area is the
village of Västra Via, which has medieval origins.
The topsoil throughout the entire investigated area
was removed with an excavator. A total of 3282 archaeological
features where surveyed, and a majority of these
were documented. In the culture layers that were found, a
total of 294 test pits were dug. Layers were scanned with a
metal detector. In five layers there were finds of a prehistoric
character, while one layer contained post-reformation
objects.
The results of the investigations showed that Västra
Via had traces of human activity dating from most of the
pre-historic era. Most features were linked to settlement
activity, including postholes of varying sizes, pits and
hearths. Constructions found included 22 three-aisled
post houses, two pit houses, two stone foundations and
nine fences. Typologically, the houses dated from the Late
Bronze Age to the Migration Period. Most houses were
relatively small, and were probably traces of a single farm,
repeatedly relocated within the area.
Also, seven iron production furnaces where found,
dating from the Vendel Period to the Viking Age. The
furnaces were grouped together within a small area surrounded
by a culture layer containing large quantities of
slag and burnt clay. Analysis of material from the furnaces
showed that iron of various qualities was produced on the
site. There were no traces of secondary smithing. The two
pit houses were located close by, and one of these dated
from the Vendel Period.
The stone foundations, which had not been part of
dwellings, were located in the peripheral parts of the
investigated area, adjacent to the medieval village toft.
They did not appear on any of the historical maps, and
presumably belonged to a phase predating the earliest
cartographical surveys.
Find material was sparse, except for slag and burnt clay
in the furnace area. There were small amounts of pottery,
burnt and unburnt bone, iron objects and worked stone.
In the Southern part of the investigated area there were
Stone Age remains in the form of worked stone, such as
flakes and core residue from micro blade production.
The most common material was quartz, but there was
also quartzite, greenstone, porphyry, hälleflinta and
flint objects. There were greenstone flakes, interpreted
as remains from axe production. During the removal of
the topsoil, a greenstone axe was found. Two horseshoeshaped
furrows resembled features that have been interpreted
as huts. Both furrows were empty of finds.
In the central part of the investigated area there were
three cremation graves. These were constructed as stone
lined pits, with no visible superstructure above ground.
One grave had upended limestone slabs supporting the
pit, and contained a burnt flint dagger and a burnt hälleflinta
knife, as well as burnt human bones. The tree cremations
dated from the transition between the Late Neolithic
and the Early Bronze Age.
172 sau rapport 2010:2