Something truly remarkable: archaeologists in Oslo have uncovered a royal Iron Age house (photos available).

Archaeologists have uncovered an astonishing longhouse near Oslo, the capital of Norway, challenging existing notions about early settlements. This discovery has provided a fresh perspective on the region's past and raised questions about the social and political structures that once shaped this area, reports Arkeonews.

In the summer of 2023, excavations in Sem revealed a structure whose dimensions significantly exceed similar buildings found in Denmark or Sweden. The longhouse measured 16 meters in width and featured a central nave that was 9 meters long between supporting columns. Due to its unusual proportions, researchers initially speculated that it dated back to the 1400s.

Yes Martens, the project leader and an associate professor at the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo, remarked, "It was hard to believe. Previously discovered longhouses from that period were 5-7 meters wide. Such houses could fit inside this enormous longhouse in Sem, that's how large it is."

This discovery not only challenges previous assumptions about the architectural capabilities of that time but also highlights the significance of this site for understanding early Scandinavian history.

Subsequent radiocarbon analysis revealed that the structure was built in the 200s, over a millennium earlier than prior assumptions about its age.

Further investigations confirmed the ancient origins of the building and suggested it may have functioned as an early royal hall. The location, situated in a region rich in both land and water resources, boasted a mild climate and high water levels, allowing ships to reach Sem directly.

The researcher noted, "Such an exceptional building must have represented something very special. It is a visible sign of power and great wealth."

Martens proposed that if a king ruled here during the Iron Age—700 years before Harald Fairhair, traditionally considered the first Norwegian king—then historical narratives may need to be reevaluated.

Additional evidence, including thousands of weapons and military gear found in Denmark, as well as a unique Roman glass vase with a cameo discovered in a nearby bog, supported the idea that this site played a significant role in the dynamics of regional power.

Specifically, this pertains to the presence of a Scandinavian king in the region during the Roman Empire. Scholars suggested that the royal residence may have aimed to unify southern Scandinavia from this strategic power center.

"For a long time, people have wondered what the Solberg vase was doing in Norway. Now we may be closer to an answer," Martens stated. "It's always exciting to find sensational discoveries that confirm history, but even more intriguing when they provide us with a new perspective on history."

These findings have allowed for a reevaluation of the political and cultural history of early Scandinavia. Although only part of the building has been uncovered, further investigations at this site are deemed crucial for understanding the social structures of that era.

Martens noted, "We have only explored half of the house and have many questions. The purpose of various rooms and side passages remains unclear. We believe the answers lie in another part of the building, which may provide valuable information about the activities that took place here."

We also reported on a subterranean settlement in Iran. Researchers discovered tunnels, channels for water transportation, and unique shelters from heat and dangers, but this is not all the secrets yet to be revealed.