A new town is being built at a place called Vinge in north Zeland, Denmark. Under common legislation for most European countries, archaeologists are allowed to excavate and research all areas of new build, to ensure that vital archaeology and heritage is not destroyed in the process of ground works and construction. The site of a new train station to service the new community has proven to be of interest and high importance.
     The research has been carried out by archaeologists from Roskilde Museum and they found, through analysis of soil stains, the outline of a Late Neolithic farmhouse which was over 45.5 metres long by 7.2 metres wide. The house proved to be so large that it had two internal aisles.
     Further investigation of artefacts found included examples made from bronze, which indicates that the owner was well travelled in Europe. Jens Johansson, an archaeologist linked to the Museum, is quoted as saying "The house is nearly three times as big as other houses from this period and it is the only one like it in the area". He went on to add "The Vinge house must have belonged to a member of the upper class of the time because it is so large. In addition, it is enormously interesting because this is the first period when we can see signs of an elite class in society".

Edited from CPH Post Online (10 October 2017)