2016-08-04 Thu

Extensive archaeological excavations are being carried out at Skagafjordur in North West Iceland since 20 years now. The recent ones are focused on Keflavík in Hegranes. A huge 1000 AD church and almost 45 graves in the churchyard, with a number of skeletons were found at the site. The church was built in an era when Iceland was converted to Christianity and used until 1104 when volcano Hekla erupted and disrupted the country. A bone pin with an animal head and a silver coin similar to other coins found in Nordic countries, but with distinctive features were also found.

The site is known for the 11th century Icelandic household composition and social transition. An early Christian cemetery, a pagan grave field and related Viking-Age settlement blossomed in two years. The findings prove facts about the earliest historical period in Iceland but lacks written scriptures.