Houdorf
National danish database for ancient monuments and finds.
The site is a passage grave (jættestue), also potentially identified as a polygonal dolmen (dysse), located in Vester Skjerninge in the Svendborg municipality.
It is situated right next to Lindekildevej in a field. The monument has been protected since before 1937 and is under the responsibility of the museum Arkæologi Sydfyn.
The burial chamber is described as elongated and irregular, oriented southwest-northeast or east-northeast/west-southwest. It consists of seven remaining support stones (bæresten) and one capstone (dæksten). Some of the support stones have collapsed or are leaning.
A 1983 inspection noted that four support stones on the north side had fallen inward, making it difficult to determine the chamber’s exact shape, though it was likely a polygonal (pear-shaped) dolmen with an opening to the east.
The interior of the chamber measures 3.8 x 1.5 meters.
An 1885 account described the chamber as oval, 9.5-11.5 feet long and 5-6 feet wide, noting that several support stones and one or two capstones were likely missing
It also mentions that stones from a passage had been removed by a previous owner.
The capstone has cup marks (skåltegn) on its surface, dating to the Bronze Age (1700 – 500 BC). A 1972 inspection observed these marks, and a 1983 report stated the top and southwest edge of the capstone were “completely covered” with at least 60, and likely many more, cup marks. The passage grave or dolmen itself dates to the Stone Age (3950 – 2800 BC).
Several archaeological activities have been recorded at the site, starting with farming/excavation activity in 1874. In 1885, the landowner reported that he had excavated soil both inside and outside the stones. This excavation uncovered many thin, beautifully polished wedges, a hammer, hollow chisels, and two possible grinding stones. Urns and a piece of bronze, possibly from a knife, were also found “inside the stones” but have since been lost.
The site was officially registered for protection on December 4, 1917.
Periodic inspections have been carried out over the years, with the most recent ones mentioned being in 2008, 2016, and 2018.
A 2018 inspection noted that a support stone is leaning and the capstone is in an unstable position. Despite its dilapidated state, the site is described as a beautiful megalithic chamber in a scenic landscape with good access.
The owner in 1983 had no objection to the path created by visitors walking the 5-6 meters from the road to the monument. As of a visit in September 2025, there was a conservation stone and a bench near the passage grave.
Fund og Fortidsminder (Finds and Ancient Monuments) is a danish national register of ancient monuments and sites where museums have made archaeological finds. The register contains both ancient monuments that are visible in the landscape and ancient monuments that lie hidden underground and are only known from archaeological investigations.
I visited the site on the autumn equinox, September 22, 2025, and the weather was sunny with a light wind (5 m/s) and a temperature of 14 °C.
I reflected on the possibility that solstices and equinoxes were celebrated with religious ceremonies at such sites thousands of years ago.
The Kroghenlund site is a Neolithic burial mound, specifically a dolmen (or round barrow), located in the Svendborg municipality. It dates back to the Stone Age, between 3950 and 2800 BC. The site has public access and is managed by Arkæologi Sydfyn. It was officially protected (“fredet”) before 1937.
The dolmen consists of a large capstone resting on smaller support stones. The chamber underneath is quite small because the support stones do not lift the capstone very high. There is also a single, large, solitary stone standing a few meters away from the main structure.
Historical records provide slightly varying dimensions. A 1915 text describes the mound as 1 meter high and 14 meters in diameter, with a four-sided chamber measuring 1.40 meters long and 1.35 meters wide. A 1918 survey recorded the mound as about 1.5 meters high with a diameter of about 13 meters. A 1983 inspection noted the mound’s measurements as 2.1 x 12 x 11 meters.
The large capstone has been damaged. It has been cleaved on two sides and has a series of drilled holes, suggesting an abandoned attempt to split the stone. A large, cleaved piece of the stone lies within the chamber. The chamber is partially filled with earth, and its south side is missing.
A tree has grown up against the large capstone, shaping itself around the stone to the point where it appears almost fused with it. In 1983, the site had both deciduous trees and coniferous thickets.
The site has a documented history of inspections and events dating back to the early 20th century:
1915: The site was officially registered (Tinglysning).
1918: A museum survey was conducted, and damage/vandalism was recorded by the National Museum of Denmark.
1947 & 1983: Further museum inspections took place. The 1983 inspection noted the illegal planting of spruce trees on the mound, and the landowner was contacted and promised to remove them.
2015: The most recent periodic inspection was carried out by Museum Odense.
The large capstone has been damaged. It has been cleaved on two sides and has a series of drilled holes, suggesting an abandoned attempt to split the stone.
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
A tree has grown up against the large capstone, shaping itself around the stone to the point where it appears almost fused with it.
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
The Bronze Age landscape at Gammel Hestehave has long held a special attraction for prehistoric people. The first settlements were established along the coastline 5,000 years ago. During the late Stone Age and the early Bronze Age (1900–1100 BC), the settlements relocated slightly further inland, and this period provides the clearest evidence of the area’s importance.
The Monumental Landscape
The Gl. Hestehave settlement was an important meeting place and a crucial community (bygd) located by the Svendborg Sound, overlooking the islands Thurø and Tåsinge.
During the early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BC), a burial field was constructed, containing 23 burial mounds (gravhøje) of varying sizes.
In the Bronze Age, the area was open countryside, allowing the mounds to be seen from far and wide, including Thurø, Tåsinge, and the entire Svendborg Sound. Today, some mounds are partially hidden by forest, but the magic of the monumental Bronze Age landscape can still be sensed.
The mounds were the setting for a village community.
Building the mounds was a labor-intensive process that extended over a long period, meaning that the construction and burials were a shared undertaking for the entire community. The mounds were likely built on pasture and constructed from carefully cut grass turf. The largest mounds required tens of thousands of turf squares, resulting in the surrounding land being infertile for a long time after construction.
The largest of the 23 mounds are about 4 meters high with diameters between 25 and 30 meters, while the smallest vary between 0.5 and 1.5 meters high and measure 12 to 20 meters in diameter.
These large burial mounds were built over one, two, or more graves, though none have been professionally examined to confirm the exact number. In addition to the mounds, the area contains a small stone cist and a cup mark stone (“Æbleskivestenen”) featuring carved holy signs.
Bronze Age Society and Culture
The building of thousands of enormous burial mounds in Denmark was a distinct expression of the superior skills of the new Bronze Age society.
This period, which began in Denmark 4,000 years ago saw the emergence of ranked societies in Southern Scandinavia and Central Europe. Power and status were demonstrated through gold and bronze.
Fine weaponry and jewelry followed chosen men and women to their graves.
Never before had such riches been placed in the ground as grave goods for the dead and sacrificial offerings to the powers responsible for fertility. Some mounds were constructed in a manner that preserved the deceased’s chest, leading to Denmark possessing a unique collection of 3,800-year-old costumes, including tunics and cloaks for men and short or long dresses with blouses for women.
The settlement at Gl. Hestehave was involved in European trade, as people sailed out to deal with continental contacts. Exotic acquisitions, such as harness decorations, may have been displayed during special events and processions. The area also functioned as a casting site, where a large crucible and remains of several casting molds have been found. Bronze casting technology was advanced, involving stamping the metal pieces in a wax model, which was then covered with a clay mold. The wax melted out, leaving an imprint for the liquid bronze to fill.
New building practices arose, with people mainly living on scattered, individual farmsteads.
Some longhouses were very large, up to 500 square meters, potentially housing leading families of the community.
Today the area is used for recreational purposes such as dog walking and hiking. There are also mountain bike trails in the forest. Furthermore, there are explanatory signs and benches to sit on.
Mound with conservation number 411713
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Conservation number is 411713
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
The site known as Gammel Hestehave is designated as a national attraction located in the Svendborg Municipality, under the administrative responsibility of Arkæologi Sydfyn. The site was granted protected status in 1937 or later.
The primary ancient monument described is a Round Mound (Rundhøj), dated to the bronze age. This well-preserved mound is considered one of the best preserved and clearly visible burial mounds in the area. It is recognized as an ancient monument of national significance.
The mound is generally described as being well-preserved.
It is described with dimensions of 2 x 22 metres. Specifically, it has a height of 2 metres and a diameter of 22 metres.
An additional survey in 1983 noted the mound measures 2.0 x 18.0 x 18.0 metres and is without visible stones.
The mound is part of a notable mound group. It is one of four burial mounds that are clearly visible. The site also includes a small cluster of three other small mounds that are only visible as small hills in the landscape.
The vegetation includes being planted with young fruit trees and being covered with oak scrub. As of 1983, it was noted to have deciduous trees, and a large tree grows on one side of the burial mound.
The monument has been subject to various investigations and supervisions:
In 1947, activities included museal survey), registration, and observations regarding cultivation/agriculture and forestry conducted by the Nationalmuseet, Danske Afd., Danmarks Oldtid. A new survey of the protected localities was carried out in 1983 by Skov- og Naturstyrelsen.
Museum Odense conducted periodic supervision of the protected locality in 2009 and 2019, confirming that the ancient monument was found as described.
In 2010, new dissemination in the form of signage was implemented at the locality as part of the project “Danmarks Oldtid i Landskabet” (Denmark’s Antiquity in the Landscape), managed by Kulturstyrelsen.
The Bronze Age landscape at Gammel Hestehave has long held a special attraction for prehistoric people. The first settlements were established along the coastline 5,000 years ago. During the late Stone Age and the early Bronze Age (1900–1100 BC), the settlements relocated slightly further inland, and this period provides the clearest evidence of the area’s importance.
The Monumental Landscape
The Gl. Hestehave settlement was an important meeting place and a crucial community (bygd) located by the Svendborg Sound, overlooking the islands Thurø and Tåsinge.
During the early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BC), a burial field was constructed, containing 23 burial mounds (gravhøje) of varying sizes.
In the Bronze Age, the area was open countryside, allowing the mounds to be seen from far and wide, including Thurø, Tåsinge, and the entire Svendborg Sound. Today, some mounds are partially hidden by forest, but the magic of the monumental Bronze Age landscape can still be sensed.
The mounds were the setting for a village community.
Building the mounds was a labor-intensive process that extended over a long period, meaning that the construction and burials were a shared undertaking for the entire community. The mounds were likely built on pasture and constructed from carefully cut grass turf. The largest mounds required tens of thousands of turf squares, resulting in the surrounding land being infertile for a long time after construction.
The largest of the 23 mounds are about 4 meters high with diameters between 25 and 30 meters, while the smallest vary between 0.5 and 1.5 meters high and measure 12 to 20 meters in diameter.
These large burial mounds were built over one, two, or more graves, though none have been professionally examined to confirm the exact number. In addition to the mounds, the area contains a small stone cist and a cup mark stone (“Æbleskivestenen”) featuring carved holy signs.
Bronze Age Society and Culture
The building of thousands of enormous burial mounds in Denmark was a distinct expression of the superior skills of the new Bronze Age society.
This period, which began in Denmark 4,000 years ago saw the emergence of ranked societies in Southern Scandinavia and Central Europe. Power and status were demonstrated through gold and bronze.
Fine weaponry and jewelry followed chosen men and women to their graves.
Never before had such riches been placed in the ground as grave goods for the dead and sacrificial offerings to the powers responsible for fertility. Some mounds were constructed in a manner that preserved the deceased’s chest, leading to Denmark possessing a unique collection of 3,800-year-old costumes, including tunics and cloaks for men and short or long dresses with blouses for women.
The settlement at Gl. Hestehave was involved in European trade, as people sailed out to deal with continental contacts. Exotic acquisitions, such as harness decorations, may have been displayed during special events and processions. The area also functioned as a casting site, where a large crucible and remains of several casting molds have been found. Bronze casting technology was advanced, involving stamping the metal pieces in a wax model, which was then covered with a clay mold. The wax melted out, leaving an imprint for the liquid bronze to fill.
New building practices arose, with people mainly living on scattered, individual farmsteads.
Some longhouses were very large, up to 500 square meters, potentially housing leading families of the community.
Today the area is used for recreational purposes such as dog walking and hiking. There are also mountain bike trails in the forest. Furthermore, there are explanatory signs and benches to sit on.
Gammel Hestehave Rundhøj 411712 is classified as a Round Barrow located in Denmark, specifically in Fyn, near the town of Svendborg. It is identified as a site from the Neolithic and Bronze Age. The site is a national heritage monument, protected since 1937 or later.
The mound is noted for being impressive. It is considered one of the best-preserved mounds in the area and is the second largest in terms of height and diameter.
The mound has a total height of 3.5 meters and a diameter of 25 meters. An inspection in 1983 recorded its dimensions as 3.0 meters high by 28.0 x 25.0 meters.
At the foot of the mound, there is a row of curbstones. Above and beside these curbstones, steps have been made, resembling stairs. A small natural path leading to the top is visible due to foot traffic. A large tree grows on one side of the mound. Historically, the mound was described as being covered with grass and fruit trees.
The mound is situated next to a neolithic burial cist (stenkiste).
The mound was historically utilized as a platform for a water tank or water tower dating to the Newer Period (1900–1949 AD). Its placement on the top of the mound was thought to have only damaged the surface superficially.
By 1983, the water tower had been removed, though its round concrete foundation could still be discerned. The stone steps on the eastern side near the top, along with a stone setting at the eastern foot of the mound, are believed to be remnants of a garden facility or landscape feature.
The site has been subject to continuous monitoring and supervision by various authorities, including the National Museum (1947) and Museum Odense (2016, 2019). In 2010, it was designated as a monument of national importance.
Hagbard and Signe
The story of »Hagbard and Signe« is a well-known Nordic legend about a pair of lovers who are unable to be together because their families are feuding, ultimately choosing to die together. The basic narrative is similar to Shakespeare’s »Romeo and Juliet«. The legend is primarily known from two main sources: Saxo Grammaticus’s »Gesta Danorum« (around the year 1200) and a medieval folk ballad, “Hagbard og Signe,” which was sung throughout the Nordic region. This ballad is number 20 (DgF 20) in Svend Grundtvig’s comprehensive collection, »Danmarks gamle Folkeviser«.
The story revolves around Hagbard, son of King Håmund, and Signe (also called Signelille), daughter of King Siger (or Sigvard). Their families are enemies, and after a battle between their brothers ends in a draw, Hagbard meets and falls in love with Signe, who secretly promises to marry him.
The folk ballad version begins with Hagbard having a prophetic dream in which he is in heaven with Signe, but they fall through the sky. An “Elven Datter” (daughter of the elves) interprets the dream, predicting that he will win the maiden but must die for her. Undeterred, Hagbard disguises himself in women’s clothing to enter King Sigvard’s court and be near Signe. Signe’s father, King Sigvard, allows the disguised Hagbard to stay with his daughter to learn needlework but warns them both to beware of Hagbard, who is a cunning suitor.
During the evening, an evil serving maid (“den arge Terne”) grows suspicious of the “maiden” who carves wood expertly, drinks heavily, and has strong hands and piercing eyes. Later that night, Hagbard and Signe are together and confess their love for each other. Hagbard reveals his identity, explaining he came in disguise because Signe’s father had threatened to hang him. The evil maid overhears their conversation, steals Hagbard’s sword and armor while he sleeps, and informs King Sigvard.
The king’s men attack, and though Hagbard fights bravely with bedposts, he is eventually captured. He breaks every bond used to restrain him until the evil maid suggests binding him with a lock of Signe’s hair. His love for her is so strong that he will not break the hair, and he is finally subdued.
Sentenced to be hanged, Hagbard makes a final request to Signe: when she sees him on the gallows, she should set fire to her bower. As he is led to the gallows, he asks that his red cloak be hung up first to test Signe’s promise. Seeing the cloak, Signe believes Hagbard is dead, sets her chamber on fire, and dies in the flames with her maids. When Hagbard sees the fire, he knows Signe has kept her word and goes gladly to his death. King Sigvard, realizing too late how powerful their love was, deeply regrets his actions and orders the treacherous serving maid to be buried alive.
The tale of Hagbard and Signe’s faithful love has been known in the Nordic countries for over a thousand years and was considered an ancient memory even to the pagan forefathers. References to the story, such as a kenning for “gallows” being “Signe’s man’s cold horse,” appear in a Norwegian poem from around 900 CE. While the legend’s precise origin is unknown, name forms like “Hagbard” suggest a continental German origin.
The setting of the legend has been claimed by many locations across Scandinavia, including Sigersted in Zealand, Denmark; several sites in Sweden; and Engeløya in Norway. Various landmarks, such as burial mounds and stones, are associated with the characters.
The legend has inspired later works, including Adam Oehlenschläger’s tragedy »Hagbarth og Signe« (1815) and Gabriel Axel’s film »The Red Mantle« (1967). In modern times, an amateur play about the couple is performed every other year on the Norwegian island of Engeløya.
Signes Høj (Elmehøj) is a significant Danish round burial mound located in Ringsted Municipality, Denmark. It is dated to bronzeage. The mound was protected before 1937, having been explicitly made legally protected by Sorø Akademi in 1854 through a deed reservation.
Physically, Signes Høj is described as approximately 3 meters high and 23 meters in diameter in several surveys. Earlier accounts from 1877 noted it as about 65 feet in diameter and 12-14 feet high. A distinctive feature is a flat depression at its top, measuring 3 meters in diameter and 0.5 meters deep, along with flat excavations on its south and east sides. The foot of the mound is also excavated, forming a 1-meter high brink. A marking stone on the mound was noted as broken in 1924 and replaced in 1925.
Signes Høj (Elmehøj) is consistently described as a beautiful and well-preserved mound, with a great location. It lies on the edge of a moraine near Tuel Å, in an area rich with other well-preserved ancient monuments, making it a notable landmark in an open landscape.
The mound has been subject to numerous inspections and surveys by various national and local museums and authorities, including the National Museum, Skov- og Naturstyrelsen, Roskilde Museum, and Kulturstyrelsen, spanning from 1877 to 2015.
The mound is also linked to the ancient legend of Hagbard and Signe, whose forbidden love led to their deaths.
The mound is located in a private field where there is no public access, so the mound must be viewed from a distance from Skælskørvej or Alstedvej.
The landscape at Gammel Hestehave (Gl. Hestehave) has historically held significance, with the first settlements established along the coastline 5,000 years ago. The importance of the area is most clearly evidenced during the late Stone Age and early Bronze Age (1900–1100 BC), when settlements relocated slightly further inland. The Gl. Hestehave settlement functioned as a crucial community (bygd) and an important meeting place situated by the Svendborg Sound, offering views of the islands Thurø and Tåsinge.
During the early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BC), a monumental burial field was constructed, containing 23 burial mounds (gravhøje) of varying sizes. The mounds served as the setting for the village community. At that time, the area was open countryside, allowing the mounds to be seen widely from places like the islands Thurø, Tåsinge, and beyond.
Building the mounds was a labor-intensive project that extended over a long period, requiring the entire community to share the undertaking of construction and burials. The mounds were likely built on pasture, using carefully cut grass turf. The largest mounds required tens of thousands of turf squares, which resulted in the surrounding land becoming infertile for an extended period.
The mounds vary greatly in size. The largest are approximately 4 meters high with diameters spanning between 25 and 30 meters, while the smallest range from 0.5 to 1.5 meters high and measure 12 to 20 meters in diameter. These large burial mounds were built over one, two, or more graves, though none have been professionally examined. The area also features a small stone cist and a cup mark stone (“Æbleskivestenen”) marked with carved holy signs.
The construction of thousands of enormous burial mounds across Denmark was a clear expression of the superior skills of the new Bronze Age society. This period, which began 4,000 years ago, witnessed the emergence of ranked societies in Southern Scandinavia and Central Europe, where power and status were demonstrated through the use of gold and bronze. Chosen men and women were buried with fine weaponry and jewelry as grave goods, and sacrifices were made to powers responsible for fertility. Due to specific construction techniques that preserved the deceased’s chest, Denmark possesses a unique collection of 3,800-year-old costumes, including tunics and cloaks for men and various dresses and blouses for women.
The settlement at Gl. Hestehave participated in European trade, with residents sailing out to engage with continental contacts. Exotic acquisitions, such as harness decorations, may have been displayed during special events and processions. Furthermore, the area functioned as a casting site, where remains of several casting molds and a large crucible have been found. The bronze casting technology was advanced, involving stamping metal pieces in a wax model, covering it with a clay mold, and then melting the wax out to create an imprint for the liquid bronze.
Regarding settlement structure, new building practices arose, with people predominantly living on scattered, individual farmsteads. Some longhouses were exceptionally large, reaching up to 500 square meters, potentially accommodating the leading families of the community.
Today, the area is used for recreational activities such as hiking, dog walking, and mountain bike trails in the forest. It is also equipped with benches and explanatory signs for visitors.
Gammel Hestehave Mound (411710)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (411710)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (411710)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (411710)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (411710) and 2 other mounds
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound 411710 is identified as a Neolithic and Bronze Age site, specifically a Round Barrow (Rundhøj). The mound dates generally to the bronze age. The site is also known by the alternative name Gamle Hestehauge.
The monument is situated in Denmark, within the area of Fyn, and is administratively located in Svendborg Kommune (municipality). Svendborg is the nearest town. The Gammel Hestehave mound 411710 is the largest and best preserved of all the burial mounds in the local area. It forms part of a larger group of mounds designated as a sightseeing mound group. Other nearby ancient sites include numerous other round barrows, a Cist (Stenkiste), and Rock Art (such as Gammel Hestehave Æbleskivestenen).
The mound is described as »well-preserved«. It has a total height of 3.80 meters and a diameter of 28 meters. Historical records confirm these dimensions (3.80 x 28 m), although a 1983 survey measured it at 2.8 x 24.0 x 24.0 m.
Features noted include:
* The mound is grass-grown.
* It is planted with young fruit trees, or characterized by deciduous thicket and deciduous trees as of 1983.
* A large tree grows on the side of the mound.
* A path has been formed leading up to the top. Visitors can climb the mound to achieve a good view of the other mounds in the area.
Gammel Hestehave is considered a »national attraction« and has been classified as an ancient monument of national importance since 2010. It is a protected site (Fredet), with protection status dating back to 1937 or later. The Fredningsnr. (protection number) is 411710.
The site has undergone several official surveys and monitoring visits:
* In 1947, activities included cultivation/agriculture and forestry, legal registration (Tinglysning), and a museum survey by the Nationalmuseet.
* A new survey of the protected location took place in 1983.
* Periodic supervision of the protected location was carried out by Museum Odense in 2009 and 2019.
* In 2010, new public communication/signage was implemented at the site as part of the project “Danmarks Oldtid i Landskabet” (Denmark’s Antiquity in the Landscape).
Administrative features available at the location include a parking lot, a sign for the ancient monument, and a sign for the public road. The museum responsible for the site is Arkæologi Sydfyn.
The Bronze Age landscape at Gammel Hestehave has long held a special attraction for prehistoric people. The first settlements were established along the coastline 5,000 years ago. During the late Stone Age and the early Bronze Age (1900–1100 BC), the settlements relocated slightly further inland, and this period provides the clearest evidence of the area’s importance.
The Monumental Landscape
The Gl. Hestehave settlement was an important meeting place and a crucial community (bygd) located by the Svendborg Sound, overlooking the islands Thurø and Tåsinge.
During the early Bronze Age (1700–1100 BC), a burial field was constructed, containing 23 burial mounds (gravhøje) of varying sizes.
In the Bronze Age, the area was open countryside, allowing the mounds to be seen from far and wide, including Thurø, Tåsinge, and the entire Svendborg Sound. Today, some mounds are partially hidden by forest, but the magic of the monumental Bronze Age landscape can still be sensed.
The mounds were the setting for a village community.
Building the mounds was a labor-intensive process that extended over a long period, meaning that the construction and burials were a shared undertaking for the entire community. The mounds were likely built on pasture and constructed from carefully cut grass turf. The largest mounds required tens of thousands of turf squares, resulting in the surrounding land being infertile for a long time after construction.
The largest of the 23 mounds are about 4 meters high with diameters between 25 and 30 meters, while the smallest vary between 0.5 and 1.5 meters high and measure 12 to 20 meters in diameter.
These large burial mounds were built over one, two, or more graves, though none have been professionally examined to confirm the exact number. In addition to the mounds, the area contains a small stone cist and a cup mark stone (“Æbleskivestenen”) featuring carved holy signs.
Bronze Age Society and Culture
The building of thousands of enormous burial mounds in Denmark was a distinct expression of the superior skills of the new Bronze Age society.
This period, which began in Denmark 4,000 years ago saw the emergence of ranked societies in Southern Scandinavia and Central Europe. Power and status were demonstrated through gold and bronze.
Fine weaponry and jewelry followed chosen men and women to their graves.
Never before had such riches been placed in the ground as grave goods for the dead and sacrificial offerings to the powers responsible for fertility. Some mounds were constructed in a manner that preserved the deceased’s chest, leading to Denmark possessing a unique collection of 3,800-year-old costumes, including tunics and cloaks for men and short or long dresses with blouses for women.
The settlement at Gl. Hestehave was involved in European trade, as people sailed out to deal with continental contacts. Exotic acquisitions, such as harness decorations, may have been displayed during special events and processions. The area also functioned as a casting site, where a large crucible and remains of several casting molds have been found. Bronze casting technology was advanced, involving stamping the metal pieces in a wax model, which was then covered with a clay mold. The wax melted out, leaving an imprint for the liquid bronze to fill.
New building practices arose, with people mainly living on scattered, individual farmsteads.
Some longhouses were very large, up to 500 square meters, potentially housing leading families of the community.
Today the area is used for recreational purposes such as dog walking and hiking. There are also mountain bike trails in the forest.
A single kerbstone (randsten) is visible towards the South.
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (41179)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
Gammel Hestehave Mound (Conservation Number 41179)
Image credit: Bjørn Houdorf
The Gammel Hestehave site is classified as a national heritage attraction located in the Svendborg Municipality, Denmark.
One specific mound, Gammel Hestehave Mound 41179, is associated with the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. It is situated in Fyn, near the town of Svendborg, and its specific monument number is 41179. The site is dated to the bronze age. It has been a protected monument since 1937 or later, and in 2010, it was specifically designated as an ancient monument of national significance.
The documentation highlights that the burial mound is part of a larger, noteworthy group of mounds. Archaeological monitoring and administrative oversight are managed by institutions such as Arkæologi Sydfyn, Museum Odense (for periodic supervision in 2009 and 2019), and the Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen.
The mound has been surveyed multiple times throughout the 20th century:
1947 Description: The mound was recorded as being 2 meters high by 20 meters in diameter. It was generally considered well-preserved, although there was a minor depression (sænkning) in the top and it was planted with young fruit trees. It was grass-grown, and a kerbstone (randsten) was visible towards the South.
1983 Description: A re-survey noted slightly larger dimensions: 2.2 meters high by 24.0 x 24.0 meters. At this time, it was located in a communal park area. Features included an older crater in the top that had been filled in, a faintly discernible plundering hole south of the top, and several stones visible on the surface. The vegetation included deciduous trees.
The mound is described as the westernmost mound in the group and is relatively isolated from the others, situated on the opposite side of the footpath. A key distinguishing feature of Mound 41179 is that it still possesses a large kerbstone in place at its southern foot, a characteristic noted as being unlike the other nearby mounds. Although not as large as the three other well-preserved mounds in the area, the mound is still clearly visible.
The site is surrounded by many other archaeological features within a short distance, including other round barrows, a Cist (Stenkiste), and an example of Rock Art (Æbleskivestenen).
A famous legend explains how a young woman named Inger promised fidelity to her first love, vowing the Devil could claim her if she broke her word. When she attempted to marry another, the Devil appeared at Bregninge church and dragged her to the mound. Her bridal wreath protected her until a boy removed it, allowing the Devil to pull her into the barrow. This tale is thought to have saved Ingershøj from being leveled, unlike other nearby mounds.
