Borgring. Uncovering the strategy for a Viking Age ring fortress in Denmark

Abstract

In 2014, Borgring, near Køge, Denmark, was identified as the fifth geometrical Viking Age ring fortress in Denmark, complementing an exclusive group of monuments including Trelleborg. Excavations and surveys in 2016–18 allow a detailed reconstruction of the site and its history. Borgring is a fortification with the same geometry, construction, and location as other Trelleborg-type fortresses, though exhibiting notable differences. Finds, including beads, ornaments, and iron tools, reflect activities and links to other fortress sites. The dating of Borgring is established with reference to wiggle-matched 14C dates.

Middle Neolithic trackway A20 at Kastbjerg Å

“…Although in such circumstances the dendrochronological method may not enable the dating of archaeological timbers, the radiocarbon wiggle-match method can produce an accurate and especially precise result (e.g. Bronk Ramsey, van der Plicht and Weninger 2001; Christensen et al 2021;Friedrich et al 2006;Hogg et al 2019). Radiocarbon dating of several samples (preferably more than five) from the sequence of a piece of wood, where the gap in years between each sample is known, may result in very precise age estimates for the piece of wood.…”