Borgen vid branten : Grundämnes- och lipidanalyser av rumslig organisation och aktiviteter i undersökningsområde 2 (UO2) i Bårby borg under folkvandringstiden. L1957:4873 Fornborg Mörbylånga 17:1 Öland

Sammanfattning

This thesis investigates the spatial organization and activity patterns of a migration period house within Bårby ringfort on Öland. The study focuses on a longhouse section and adjacent square within the investigation area 2 (UO2). Excavated in 2025 as part of the research project ‘Kris, krig, och konflikt, samhällsförändring i Skandinavien år-300–700’. A laboratory based multi analytical approach was employed, utilizing X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) for inorganic elemental analysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for biomolecular lipid analysis of systematically collected soil samples. The results reveal variations in chemical signatures between indoor and outdoor environments. The outdoor street area functioned as a potential specialized zone for metalworking, evidenced by anthropogenically elevated metal elements and as a common active area. Conversely, the house interior has two occupational layers, an older- and younger phase was characterized by domestic activities. A significant finding was the exceptionally high concentration of methyldehydoabietate (ME/DHA), indicating either that the building was destroyed in an intense fire during its final phase, or presence of pine tar- related materials. By identifying specific activity areas where material remains could be sparse. This research challenges traditional views of ringforts as mere refuges, highlights their role as an organized place, during a period of transformative changes.