Photo. The place called Telemarkslunden, Rygge, near Moss, still hides its secrets from ancient time.
In Telemarkslunden there are several grave mounds from ancient time. The most spectacular is called Tingstedet. This grave mound is covered by 12 stones shaped as a circle. Did the Vikings to make these Stone arrangements as tributes to those lost at sea?
What means the circular shape?
Circular sites are not new to history, both small and big. They are found several places around the world from different time. Previous year it was reported that archaeologists have discovered traces of a Bronze Age place of worship in Germany in what they say might be the country's answer to Stonehenge. Scientists from a university in Halle are excavating a roughly 4,000 year-old circular site in eastern Germany which contains graves that bear a strong resemblance to Stonehenge.
Tingestedet is located by the edge of the forest on the property`s highest point, and from there it`s a beautiful panorama view towards the Oslo fjord. It was not far from the sea where the Vikings could set out on their longships. It`s believed that this place was used a meeting place by the Vikings. This reflects the importance of the area as a burial site for more than 1,000 years. Hopefully will findings of objects reveal rich details about prehistoric people from their remains.
Photo. Stone structures from the age of the Vikings.
A thousand years ago, Vikings set out from the fjords of Norway striking fear across Europe. The Vikings built longships and raided Europe as traders and warriors. In contrast to Norway today, the medieval Norway the basis for agriculture was poor. Many people lived on the coast and boat building skills were easily the best in Europe.
The result was voyages of discovery, trade and brutal raids. The voyages began in the latter part of the 9th century and stretched from Greenland in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east.
By travelling south from Moss, through the beautiful landscape of Rygge, I found my way to Ekeby farm on Sunday 15th May 2009. I addition to exploring the Viking site, I took my time to enjoy the beautiful cultural landscape. Around the farm, there are trails for walking and biking. Today there are two nature sites on Ekeby called Telemarkslunden and Gunnarsbybekken. Another one is suggested by the County’s Department for Environment, called Ekebylunden.
At Ekeby Farm visitors can sing along with the nightingale and say hello to the South African Boer goats at Norway’s only goat tower. The nightingale is especially active in June. It`s also well worth to taste the farm`s speciality: delicious, imported South African wine from the Paarl area.
Archeologists seek now a chance to dig up the area`s secrets. Finds will wake up the Norwegian Viking ancestral roots and their Viking spirit will continue to live.
In my next article about this Viking graveyard, I will search for answering the questions:
• What has been found so far?
• What could be expected to be found there? A ship? Something from other parts of the world?
• Would it call for new view of the Vikings?
• Any plans for excavation of the site?
Stein Morten Lund, 25 May 2009
Additional information
Ekeby farm, Ekeby Gård: www.ekeby.no
Røed gård: www.roedgaard.no
Viking camp at Røed Gård, Roed Farm, Moss, display how the Vikings lived in the past.
Fairview Wine Estate, Paarl, South Africa: www.fairview.co.za
Visit Norway: www.visitnorway.com/en
Norway: Quest for the Viking Spirit: www.norway.org/travel/quest
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