Gudme

The settlement near Gudme in the south-east of Funen, dating back to the Late Roman Iron Age, was a significant hub that thrived from the 3rd to the 6th centuries AD. Situated near Gudme lake, around 5 km from the Great Belt coast, it comprised numerous farms and reached its peak with around 50 farms covering approximately 1 km² in the 4th and 5th centuries.

Unique to Gudme, the settlement displayed a remarkable continuity, as it remained in use until the Middle Ages, contrary to the typical pattern of Iron Age settlements in Denmark relocating over time. The excavation revealed that the settlement went through nine distinct chronological phases, each lasting around 50 years. Farms, fences, and structures were consistently dismantled and reconstructed on the same site from 200 to 600 AD.

At the heart of the settlement was a notable hall complex, featuring two parallel buildings. The larger hall, measuring 47 x 10 meters, operated for about a century, from the late 3rd century to the early 5th century, with the smaller hall continuing its function until the mid-6th century. The purpose of the hall complex remains unknown, but its extraordinary size, combined with religious artifacts found within and around it, suggests it may have served as a magnate’s residence with an associated cult building.

Interestingly, after the demolition of the large hall in the early 5th century, no new hall was constructed in its place. However, the settlement persisted until the Middle Ages. Ongoing excavations aim to provide further insights into the development, continuity, and political and religious aspects of the Gudme settlement. There is also speculation about the potential discovery of another magnate’s residence at a yet-to-be-explored location in Gudme.

The image top right shows the two halls side by side.
The image bottom right shows the large under excavation.
Images: National Museum of Denmark

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