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Historical Discovery Reveals Lost Medieval Monastery in Sweden Thanks to Hobbyist’s Map Insight
A dedicated history enthusiast utilizing a metal detector has made a significant archaeological find, leading experts to the site of a medieval monastery in Sweden. This exciting discovery emerged from a peculiar symbol identified on an antique map.
The archaeological organization Arkeologerna, affiliated with the Swedish government, announced this remarkable find this month. The remains of the monastery were unearthed in a field located in Derome, a region situated in southwest Sweden.
In a statement translated from Swedish to English, Arkeologerna acknowledged the keen insight of hobbyist Göran Bengtsson, who played a crucial role in locating the site.
Map Symbol Unlocks Historical Secrets
While examining 18th-century maps, Bengtsson noted an unusual rectangle on one of the documents. Motivated by curiosity, he visited the area. A surveyor had labeled the spot as “Klosterkullen,” which translates to “monastery hill,” on a 1760 map.
Thanks to Bengtsson’s alert, a team of archaeologists used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology to thoroughly investigate the location. GPR is a sophisticated method for revealing hidden structures beneath the earth’s surface, and it disclosed the walls of what are likely the ruins of the monastery.
A Surprising Find for Archaeologists
Archaeologist Bengt Westergaard expressed surprise at the discovery, given his extensive background in the field. With 40 years of experience, he stated, “This is genuinely something unique. I have never seen anything like it; the walls were very clearly visible.” This unexpected find has quickly captured the attention of the archaeological community.
The dry summer weather contributed to the visibility of the remains. On the day Bengtsson explored the site, he found traces of the monastery, which became more detectable due to a natural occurrence known as crop marks.
“Crop marks form when the ground is dry,” Bengtsson explained. “These walls are easily discernible above ground in these conditions.” When the archaeologists employed GPR, they identified structures below ground as dark spots, revealing significant anomalies indicating the presence of the monastery.
Unearthing the Monastery’s Foundations
The excavation yielded walls that are approximately 6.5 feet thick, along with various other features of the historical building. Experts believe that these structures represent portions of the monastery’s foundational pillars.
The statement from Arkeologerna noted, “What we are observing is the eastern wing and dormitory of the monastery. While more constructions may have existed, it is unclear if they completed the building process. They may have commenced work on the church and then halted construction.”
Further investigations are essential to gain a clearer understanding of what was once situated at this site.
Exploring the Monastery’s Origins
Dating back to the late 1100s, the remains may belong to the original Ã…s Abbey, a significant monastery affiliated with the Cistercian religious order. This location has the potential to reveal intriguing insights into Sweden’s monastic history.
According to the findings, Ã…s Abbey was relocated during the 13th century. The statement elaborated, “In a communication from a meeting held in 1243, the abbot at the time requested permission to move Ã…s monastery to a new location.” This information highlights the historical changes and developments surrounding these religious sites in Sweden.
Sweden’s Rich Archaeological Landscape
Sweden, known for its rich and diverse history, has been the site of numerous archaeological discoveries in recent years. Last spring, archaeologists uncovered a remarkable 12th-century grave during an excavation that also revealed buried treasures.
This year, Arkeologerna announced the finding of an intriguing Viking-era coffin dating back over 1,100 years. Such discoveries contribute significantly to our understanding of the past and showcase Sweden’s historical significance.
A Future of Exploration and Discovery
The unearthing of this medieval monastery presents not only an exciting moment for local history enthusiasts and archaeologists but also opens doors for further explorations. As specialists continue to investigate the site, they hope to uncover more details about the lives of those who once inhabited this historical landmark.
Whether through the lens of a dedicated hobbyist or the expertise of trained archaeologists, each discovery adds a new chapter to ancient narratives waiting patiently beneath the surface of our understanding. The collaboration between passionate individuals and professionals exemplifies the shared quest for knowledge about our past.
