A long-held archaeological mystery has been solved as
researchers have revealed the exact location, extent and
character of a huge winter camp of the Viking army at
Torksey, Lincolnshire.
A 21st-century view looking east across the River Trent to the prominent
bluff and the Viking winter camp. Image credit: Antiquaries Journal
The Vikings established the winter camp at Torksey, on the banks of the River Trent in Lincolnshire, as they prepared to conquer 9th century England, according to a team of archaeologists from the Universities of Sheffield and York, UK.
The camp was used by thousands of Viking warriors, women and children who lived there temporarily in tented accommodation.
They also used the site as a base to repair ships, melt down stolen loot, manufacture, trade and play games.
“The Vikings’ camp at Torksey was much more than just a handful of hardy warriors — this was a huge base, larger than most contemporary towns, complete with traders, families, feasting, and entertainment,” said team leader Professor Dawn Hadley, from the University of Sheffield.
“From what has been found at the site, we know they were repairing their boats there and melting down looted gold and silver to make ingots — or bars of metal they used to trade.”
“The Vikings had previously often raided exposed coastal monasteries and returned to Scandinavia in winter, but in the later 9th century they came in larger numbers, and decided to stay,” said team member Professor Julian Richards, from the University of York.
“This sent a very clear message that they now planned not only to loot and raid — but to control and conquer.”
A selection of metal-detected finds from the Viking winter camp at Torksey,
UK. Image credit: Fitzwilliam Museum
Source: http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/...amp-04877.html
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