A wall from the settlement period, the 9th and 10th century, has been discovered by Reykjavik’s historic Tjarnarbíó Theater. Due to renovations of the building, an archeological excavation is currently under way, mbl.is reports.
Tjarnarbíó, behind Reykjavik’s City Hall. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
The wall, discovered earlier this week, includes volcanic ash from the settlement period, which gives an indication of its age. No artifacts or floors have so far been discovered.
During the past week, the foundation of a house called Brunnhús, which was erected on the lot in 1837, has been removed for research. It was discovered in the alley north of the house, but a well, which gives the house its name, was discovered last summer inside Tjarnarbíó Theater.
This is the latest addition to Reykjavik’s oldest settlement area, showing an even larger area than was thought to exist.
The southernmost remains from the settlement period were excavated in the lot of Sudurgata 7, in 1985, around 50 meters from this particular site.
