The discovery of a remarkably large house from the 3rd century has captured the attention of archaeologists: Could a kingdom have existed in Norway during the Roman period? It is believed that the house featured a steep roof to facilitate snow runoff in winter.
The building to the right depicts the size of typical houses from the same period. The structure, once standing at 16 meters wide, was constructed using methods that would only become commonplace over a thousand years later. So far, 21 meters of the building's length have been unearthed, but archaeologists believe it may have been more than twice that length.
Carbon dating confirms the building was erected sometime in the 3rd century. Could it have been an early royal hall? Given its central position in the landscape and abundant access to resources from both land and water, this is not out of the question, says Jes Martens, associate professor of archaeology and project leader for the excavation.
This area boasts a particularly rich history, with previous metal detection surveys conducted by the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo, in collaboration with Buskerud County Council, two local metal detector enthusiasts, and a detector club. The museum's excavation was funded by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. Strategically located for trade routes via ships and boats, the site reveals a history of extensive and long-standing trade and contact with much of Europe.
There is evidence of interaction with the Roman Empire as well. In , remnants of a unique Roman vase were found in a nearby marsh, known as the "Solberg Vase," proving trade between the Roman Empire and the inhabitants along the Oslo Fjord.
