Archaeology by Motala ström 2012

The national Heritage Board will during the spring and summer 2012 perform an archaeological excavation of an Early Stone Age settlement in the town Motala, in the Swedish province of Östergötland. The site is located on both the northern and southern side of the river Motala ström, and is dated between 4000 and 6000 BC. The finds are, among other things, large amounts of raw materials such as flint, quartz, quartzite. The site also has remains that are dated to Viking Age/Middle Ages.

The archaeological excavations are due to the Swedish Rail Administrations plans for a second railroad track between the towns Mjölby and Motala. This means building a new railroad bridge over the river Motala ström. In connection with the planning a large Early Stone Age settlement was found. During the years 1999 to 2003 the site on the south side of the river was excavated. The finds then consisted among other objects several Leister points in bone and antler. Read more about the Mesolithic results in the book "Where the river bends, Under the bough of trees"(Carlsson, T. 2008).

This year the archaeological excavations will expand on both sides of the river. On this website you will find background information on the excavation. You are also welcome to follow the continuing field work on our Blog, Facebook and YouTube.

Till Arkeologi vid Motala ström (swedish)