Järnålderns mångfunktionella långhus, myt eller verklighet

Abstract

Within settlement archaeology the Early Iron Age farm of southern Scandinavia is often characterized by its longhouses, having being divided into a dwelling quarter versus a byre for cattle and horses. The arguments for this division vary, but are usually based more on theoretical calculations than empirical evidence. From historical analogues, however, it is clear that theoretical discussions on keeping cattle indoors have little support in real life. Thus, the farmer’s way of life was much more complex, both from a practical view concerning housing and working efforts. In other words, it is very easy from a theoretical perspective to fill Iron Age longhouses with people, as well as cattle and fodder, while the historical sources give a more complicated picture.