| Description : | Moesgaard Museum is situated south of Aarhus at the Moesgaard manor house, which has housed the collections since 1968. The permanent exhibition presents many unique archaeological finds from prehistoric Denmark, such as the Grauballe Man, a two thousand year old, well-preserved bog body from Iron Age Denmark, and the famous Iron Age war sacrifice from 'Illerup Ådal'. Exhibits also cover the Stone Age and Viking Age Denmark. You can read more about the finds at their website.
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| Details : | The Bog Body from Grauballe Learn more about the Grauballe Man, which is the best preserved bog body from Iron Age Europe and one of the most spectacular finds from Danish prehistory. The special chemical composition of the bog has preserved the Grauballe Man incredibly well, and you can still see his facial features, hair, stubble, nails, and skin structure.
The 'Illerup ådal' war sacrifice You can also read about the huge weapon sacrifices from 'Illerup Ådal' near Skanderborg where a large battle took place around 200 AD. The war booty—shields, swords and other equipment—were crushed, bent or broken and cast into the sacrificial lake where it was found in 1950. The find consists of more than 15.000 object.
Special Exhibitions Varying special exhibitions deal with fascinating archaeological and ethnographic topics. Until January 8, 2006, you can see an exhibition of Viking Age Aarhus. Aarhus (or Aros as it was called then) is the third oldest town in Denmark, and about the same age as Ribe and Hedeby (Haithabu). Numerous archaeological excavations has been made in Aarhus and in settlements around the town during the last few years, and these draw a detailed picture of the every day life of the Vikings as well as crafts, trade, shipping, naval battles.
The Viking Moot One of the museum's special events is the Viking Moot, which takes place at Moesgaard Beach/Giber River each year in the last weekend of July. At the market craftmen have set up their workshops, tradesmen offers a wide variety of goods in iron, wood, leather, silver, wool, amber, and glass etc. and visitors can try a Viking Age meal cooked over open fire. You can also try your skills at the different activities, such as archery. The highlight of the Viking Moot is the reinactment of a formidable Viking Age battle, where the combating warriors cross swords.
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