Back in History. Experiment
in Lejre
Twelve thousand years ago in the future Danish island of Zelandie the
last ice had gone and left a beautiful landscape – rounded hilltops with small lakes and
bogs between them. Then around 4,000 BC hunters and gathers came, and then farmers, who
paid more attention to their life after death. These last were builders of huge stone
dolmens. The most interesting burial is one of a girl 16-18 years old. She was buried
carefully in a grave with a milfoil, a small bark bucket with a drink made of honey, an
awl, and a hairnet of horse hair. Long time passed, and in the 13th century King Rolf
built a fortress in that place, and it was called Lejre. Some said it was the royal
capital; some said that it was only a prominent fortress. In any care, it was a bustling
living centre of craft and trade activities. But it was not until the 20th century that
Lejre was discovered and it was possible to re-live the past.
Since the Historical-Archeological Experimental Centre was founded in
1964, it has become possible to go deep into the past and “become” a real Viking. With
the help of modern technology historians and volunteers have reconstructed the Viking Age.
Many wonderful scientific, archeological experiments take place there. Among them are the
reconstructions of Iron Age houses, with ovens, based on insights from excavations, and
the works of craftsmen, including pottery and hand-made woollen cloth.
In summer some families live “Iron Age Life” in those houses, wear
“Viking” dress, and cook in the same way as their ancestors did. The Viking menu
consists of soup with meat and vegetables, and milk, cheese, porridge, smoked fish,
apples, goat milk and bread. All food is made in the old manner: soup is cooked above the
fire, bread is made in an oven, and fish is smoked in another one.
The Centre consists of a canoeing centre in a small pond, a pottery
centre, a weaver’s cottage, huts, farm cottages and animal sheds. The most mysterious
place is a sacrificial bog. Sacrificed horses, sunken clay vessels, pigtails, work
implements, broken weapons, and carved statues of a god were found in the Iron Age sacred
bog. Such a place exists in Lejre even nowadays. Strange rituals are held. Nobody confirms
that there are supernatural powers, but going to a cottage at night can give one a strong
eerie feeling.
In summer many tourists come to Lejre – adults and children,
sometimes with their pets. They come and come again to this beautiful place to feel living
history. Nice people, Viking bread, and a sacred bog are a real touch of history that is
impossible to forget.
By Xenia Gerasimova
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