Viking excavation reveals large-scale textile production near Aarhus

A new excavation near Aarhus has uncovered evidence of a large, organized textile production site from the Viking Age, challenging stereotypes of the era as purely raiding and plundering.

Archaeologists from Moesgaard Museum have unearthed 82 pit houses—sunken workshop huts typically linked to craftsmanship—along with weaving weights, spindle weights, glass beads, and whetstones in Søften, East Jutland. The finds span the entire textile production process, from spinning to weaving, according to excavation leader Liv Langberg.

The site, covering at least 100,000 m², also yielded silver clippings, coins, and beads, including Arabic dirhams from the Middle East and Central Asia, as well as Frankish and German currency. These artifacts point to extensive trade connections stretching from Iceland to the Islamic caliphates.

Historian Kasper H. Andersen of Moesgaard Museum said the discoveries demonstrate that Viking Age society was structured and globally engaged, far from the common perception of it as uncivilized. The excavation, ongoing since August 2025, is expected to conclude at the end of June 2026.