Frühmittelalterdorf Unterrabnitz: ein neues archäologisches Freilichtmuseum im österreichen Burgenland

Summary

The time of the Early Middle Ages is representing one of the most interesting periods in European history. Archaeological data is proving that a farmer settlement was founded on the area of the community of Unterrabnitz in eastern Austria in early medieval times. To create a new touristic attraction in this eastern alpine region, the community of Unterrabnitz decided to rebuild a part of this settlement to bring this period to life again for the public. For this reason the community commissioned VIAS - the Vienna Institute for Archaeological Science, which is a part of the University of Vienna, in 2006 to start with experimental studies concerning wood technology and wooden architecture of this period. Up to now, within this cooperation between the Community of Unterrabnitz and the VIAS eight houses of different types were erected according to archaeological excavation results. All the construction works were carried out in the sense of experimental archaeology with remakes of the typical Middle Age iron tools as axes, adzes, chisels, awls, spoon drills, technique, a living house in log cabin technique, three pit houses and three smaller buildings covering different types of stoves. Most of the houses are furnished and equipped with the typical every day implements and tools of the Early Middle Ages. The visitors find a weaving house and the workshops of a wood craftsman and of a blacksmith. SInce the summer of 2008 the open air park "Frühmittelalterdorf Unterrabnitz" is open to the public and the feedback seems to be very positive.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Record Identifiers

ExArc Id(s): 14018

Notes

Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.