Maskinell flateavdekking og utgravning av forhistoriske jordbruksboplasser

A major scientific breakthrough in Norwegian archaeology was seen in the 1980'ies. The investigation of agricultural sites in cultivated fields was revolutionized by the introduction of large-scale mechanical removal of the topsoil. This method, which originated in continental Europe, was developed for Norwegian conditions by the Museum of Archaeology, Stavanger. The use of the method led to the discovery of a vast number of sites, mainly prehistoric agricultural sites. The development was spearheaded (initiated) by the excavations at Forsandmoen, where close to 240 house foundations from the Bronze age and the Iron age were discovered. A number of other excavations has now shown the development of houses from the Late Stone Age to the Viking Age. The methods used during the investigation of agricultural sites in cultivated fields is described. Different approaches to surveying are discussed. Effective ways of removing the topsoil mechanically are described. Documentation-systems are presented and discussed. Finally an introduction is given to a number of important sites, which have been investigated using the method described