Xenia Pauli Jensen
Moesgaard Museum, Antikvarisk Afd., Department Member
- The National Museum of Denmark, Danish Prehistory, Department Memberadd
- Roman Army, Early Iron Age, Iron age scandinavia, Iron Age Weaponry, Cult, Alliances, and 47 moreWarfare, Army Organisation, Iron Age, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Norway, Scandinavian Archaeology, Prehistoric weapons, Central Places, Bow and Arrow Technology, Early Medieval Times, Royal Seats, Bow and Arrow, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, Archaeometallurgy, Archaeometry, Roman Small Finds, Roman military archaeology, Roman Frontiers (Archaeology), Roman military equipment, Fortifications, History of Military Technology, Archaeology, Römische Kaiserzeit, Roman Archaeology, Roman military history, Iron Age (Archaeology), Danish Prehistory, Anglo Saxon Weapon Burial, Anglo Saxon Warfare, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, La Tene culture, La Tene Period in Middle Europe, Celtic Archaeology, Celtic Studies, Oppida, Iron Age Germany (Archaeology), Pre-Roman Iron Age, Gladiators, Horses in Prehistory, History of Horse Riding, Ancient Cavalry, Roman Cavalry Tactics, Small Finds, Battlefield Archaeology, Battlefield Archaeology, Conflict Archaeology, Huns Archaeology, and Iron Smithingedit
A smal burial ground from the beginning of our era with weapons and tools. Discussion on the craftsmens position in society and the degree of specialisation. In Danish with English summery. I sidste del af førromersk jernalder begravede... more
A smal burial ground from the beginning of our era with weapons and tools. Discussion on the craftsmens position in society and the degree of specialisation. In Danish with English summery.
I sidste del af førromersk jernalder begravede man sine døde med værktøj og våben, og fra omkring Kristi fødsel dukker de første såkaldte smedegrave med tænger, file og hamre op. Man har tidligere ment, at disse smedegrave tilhørte specialiserede metalhåndværkere, men måske er dette en for snæver tolkning. Det er åbenlyst, at forskellige håndværk som jernhåndtering, læderarbejde, træskæreri, tømrerarbejde m.v. må have været almindelig husflidskunnen og grundlaget for enhver jernalderlandsbys opståen og vedligehold. Men hvordan var forholdet mellem bonde-håndværkerne fra den enkelte landsby og den spirende specialisering inden for håndværket? Og i hvor høj grad udtrykker smedegravene denne specialisering? Var de f.eks. specialister indenfor ét materiale, eller mestrede de flere materialer? En nyfunden gravplads fra Hellegård på Sydfyn kan måske hjælpe os til at få svar på nogle af vores spørgsmål.
I sidste del af førromersk jernalder begravede man sine døde med værktøj og våben, og fra omkring Kristi fødsel dukker de første såkaldte smedegrave med tænger, file og hamre op. Man har tidligere ment, at disse smedegrave tilhørte specialiserede metalhåndværkere, men måske er dette en for snæver tolkning. Det er åbenlyst, at forskellige håndværk som jernhåndtering, læderarbejde, træskæreri, tømrerarbejde m.v. må have været almindelig husflidskunnen og grundlaget for enhver jernalderlandsbys opståen og vedligehold. Men hvordan var forholdet mellem bonde-håndværkerne fra den enkelte landsby og den spirende specialisering inden for håndværket? Og i hvor høj grad udtrykker smedegravene denne specialisering? Var de f.eks. specialister indenfor ét materiale, eller mestrede de flere materialer? En nyfunden gravplads fra Hellegård på Sydfyn kan måske hjælpe os til at få svar på nogle af vores spørgsmål.
Research Interests: Burial Practices (Archaeology), Iron Age (Archaeology), Crafts and Technology, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Warrior burials, and Iron Age Weaponry
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A presentation on the little weapon deposit of Villestofte, Funen, Denmark situated only 4 kms south of the famous weapon deposit of Vimose. Presentation on find history and recent excavation leading to new results regarding the find... more
A presentation on the little weapon deposit of Villestofte, Funen, Denmark situated only 4 kms south of the famous weapon deposit of Vimose. Presentation on find history and recent excavation leading to new results regarding the find spot. Presentation of the find, that consists of only 5 objects and thorough discussion on the possible interpretions of the find.
Research Interests: Iron Age (Archaeology), Iron Age, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, Archaeology of Horse and Riders, and Iron Age Weaponry
Popular article on the use of feathers from the white tailed eagle as fletching on arrows from Roman Iron Age Scandinavia. General introduction on bow and arrow as a weapon and a focus on the arrows. In Danish.
Research Interests: Iron Age, Small Arms and light weapons, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, and 3 moreIron Age Weaponry, Bows and Arrows, and History of Bows and Archery
A short popular paper on the famous warbooty sacrifice of Illerup Ådal in Eastern Jutland. Find history, interpretations, the sacrifice and special mentioning of a few objects. In Danish with Jørgen Lund.
Research Interests: Archaeology of Germanic tribes (Roman period), Scandinavian Archaeology, Early Iron Age, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, and Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds
This article focus on weapon and weapon graves in Jutland, and should be regarded as an overview on the research on this subject. The introduction of the weapon burial rite in late Pre-Roman Iron Age, the peak in Early Roman Iron Age and... more
This article focus on weapon and weapon graves in Jutland, and should be regarded as an overview on the research on this subject. The introduction of the weapon burial rite in late Pre-Roman Iron Age, the
peak in Early Roman Iron Age and the decrease in the number of weapon burials in the Late Roman Iron Age is illustrated via different cases. There is a special emphasis on non-local weapons. The article holds
the basic assumptions, that if we aim to catch the dynamics of the exchange between different areas, we have to consider how foreign objects were used and which significance they held in the local context.
Furthermore the article argues that it is vital to see weapons in broader perspective and include other find groups in the analysis. Thereby weapons are seen as a crucial part of the visualization of power that increases during the Early Iron Age.
The article is in Danish.
peak in Early Roman Iron Age and the decrease in the number of weapon burials in the Late Roman Iron Age is illustrated via different cases. There is a special emphasis on non-local weapons. The article holds
the basic assumptions, that if we aim to catch the dynamics of the exchange between different areas, we have to consider how foreign objects were used and which significance they held in the local context.
Furthermore the article argues that it is vital to see weapons in broader perspective and include other find groups in the analysis. Thereby weapons are seen as a crucial part of the visualization of power that increases during the Early Iron Age.
The article is in Danish.
Research Interests: Death and Burial (Archaeology), Burial Practices (Archaeology), Iron Age, Archaeology of Germanic tribes (Roman period), Roman military equipment, and 3 moreAncient Weapons and Warfare, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, and Roman weapons, Roman military equipment
Popular science article on the Griphon head from Vimose, Denmark
Research Interests: Roman Army, Prehistoric weapons, Iron Age, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Roman Iron Age, and 6 moreEarly Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Roman Iron Age in Scandinavia, Roman Weapons, Roman Helmets, Roman weapons, Roman military equipment, and Bog finds
A popular article on war and cult in Iron Age Denmark from the Pre-Roman Iron Age till Migration Period. In Danish.
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Research Interests: Prehistoric weapons, Scandinavian Archaeology, Early Iron Age, Roman military equipment, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, and 3 moreEarly Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, War Booty, and War booty.offering Site
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While recent year’s research has concentrated on the Roman military equipment from the south Scandinavian weapon deposits, the material from other contexts has been more or less neglected. Focusing on the grave finds, a number of... more
While recent year’s research has concentrated on the Roman military equipment from the south Scandinavian weapon deposits, the material from other contexts has been more or less neglected. Focusing on the grave finds, a number of intriguing aspects emerge as both similarities and differences between the material of the different find groups can be identified. The differences include for instance the time of deposition as the grave finds contain Roman weapons from the early 1st century AD while most of the Roman material from the weapon deposits belong to the 3rd century AD. Apart from the Roman material itself, the grave finds also comprise imitations of e.g. Roman gladii and evidence of reuse and transformation of Roman produced militaria.
This paper concentrates on the Roman material from the two first centuries AD in Danish grave finds and focus on the interaction between Roman and Germanic weapon trends and fashions and their impact on the military equipment itself.
This paper concentrates on the Roman material from the two first centuries AD in Danish grave finds and focus on the interaction between Roman and Germanic weapon trends and fashions and their impact on the military equipment itself.
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Research Interests: Scandinavian Studies, Scandinavia (Archaeology), Warfare, Early Iron Age, Cult, and 6 moreAncient Weapons and Warfare, Alliances, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, Iron Age Weaponry, and Army Organisation
Based on the new results from recent research on the weapon find from Vimose, Denmark, the aim of this article is to show the variety and development of the sacrificial rites involving weapons during the early Iron Age in Southern... more
Based on the new results from recent research on the weapon find from Vimose, Denmark, the aim of this article is to show the variety and development of the sacrificial rites involving weapons during the early Iron Age in Southern Scandinavia.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric weapons, Iron Age, Scandinavian Archaeology, Norway, and 6 moreEarly Iron Age, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Central Places, Early Medieval Times, and Royal Seats
This article is based on a paper I gave at a seminar in Lund in October 2009. My aim then and now is to challenge previous research on the weapon deposits from southern Scandinavia in the Roman Iron Age. The focus will be on the... more
This article is based on a paper I gave at a seminar in Lund in October 2009. My aim then and now is to challenge previous research on the weapon deposits from southern Scandinavia
in the Roman Iron Age. The focus will be on the different weapon rites and their importance for maintaining leadership and control.
The deposits from the Early Roman Iron Age of Vimose, Funen, show a striking variety concerning the origin of the sacrificed
equipment. This is interpreted as the use of allies from different areas of Northern Europe. Finally, the different ways of visualizing power are discussed, and a new model for power
structure is offered.
in the Roman Iron Age. The focus will be on the different weapon rites and their importance for maintaining leadership and control.
The deposits from the Early Roman Iron Age of Vimose, Funen, show a striking variety concerning the origin of the sacrificed
equipment. This is interpreted as the use of allies from different areas of Northern Europe. Finally, the different ways of visualizing power are discussed, and a new model for power
structure is offered.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Warfare, Iron Age, Cult, Alliances, and 4 moreEarly Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, Iron Age Weaponry, and Army Organisation
En af de mest interessante perioder i smedekunstens udvikling er overgangen fra ældre til yngre romersk jernalder. I ældre romersk jernalder er våbensmedens produkter lokalt forankret. Der optræder mange forskellige typer af samme våben,... more
En af de mest interessante perioder i smedekunstens udvikling er overgangen fra ældre til yngre romersk jernalder. I ældre romersk jernalder er våbensmedens produkter lokalt forankret. Der optræder mange forskellige typer af samme våben, og oftest har disse et stærkt lokalt eller regionalt præg. Efter 200 e.Kr. kan man iagttage en særdeles ensartet produktion af skjoldbeslag, lanser og spyd indenfor det sydskandinaviske område. Uniformiteten er så markant, at det er svært at komme uden om en eller anden overordnet styring af våbenproduktionen. Især materialet fra yngre romersk jernalder har været diskuteret, men foreløbig har man ikke gjort sig konkrete tanker om, hvordan og hvor en mulig centraliseret våbenproduktion har fundet sted. Artiklen er et diskussionsoplæg, der stiller flere spørgsmål end giver svar.
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The following paper primarily examines Danish archaeological material, but in order to put the findings into a broader perspective, I have also included a survey of Roman archery equipment. I hope that it will be obvious that even... more
The following paper primarily examines Danish
archaeological material, but in order to put the
findings into a broader perspective, I have also
included a survey of Roman archery equipment.
I hope that it will be obvious that even though
the Roman army had a distinct influence on the
organisation of the northern Germanic army,
there are major differences nevertheless
archaeological material, but in order to put the
findings into a broader perspective, I have also
included a survey of Roman archery equipment.
I hope that it will be obvious that even though
the Roman army had a distinct influence on the
organisation of the northern Germanic army,
there are major differences nevertheless
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This paper will discuss results from archery experiments, their impact on basic research and the new questions that present themselves in the field of the North Germanic military in the Late Roman Iron Age which was approximately 160–375... more
This paper will discuss results from archery experiments, their impact on basic research and the new questions that present themselves in the field of the North Germanic military in the Late Roman Iron Age which was approximately 160–375 AD.
The starting point will be a series of experiments carried out in the late 1980s and 1990s. The results from these experiments will be compared with new examinations of the primary material from the southern Scandinavian weapon sacrifices, in order to point out and try to answer some of the questions that the experiments raise about North Germanic armies in particular and the Iron Age society in general.
The starting point will be a series of experiments carried out in the late 1980s and 1990s. The results from these experiments will be compared with new examinations of the primary material from the southern Scandinavian weapon sacrifices, in order to point out and try to answer some of the questions that the experiments raise about North Germanic armies in particular and the Iron Age society in general.
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In centuries around the birth of Christ the visualization of military power takes new form. Weapons are displayed in mortuary practices, on burial grounds, on settlements, and in wetland areas. Especially the bog finds have influenced our... more
In centuries around the birth of Christ the visualization of military power takes new form. Weapons are displayed in mortuary practices, on burial grounds, on settlements, and in wetland areas. Especially the bog finds have influenced our ways of interpreting military presence; they are, however, rarely seen in context with the society as a whole. This paper focus on how formation of military alliances facilitates interaction between military, political, and religious power structures. By analyzing the basic assumptions researches have used for their interpretations on weapon deposits, two new interpretations are suggested.
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This paper argues that the meetings between Roman and Germanic and the transfer of merchandise lead to much more than a mindless adaption of foreign goods and ideas. The paper shows the wide-ranging ways the Germanics used Roman... more
This paper argues that the meetings between Roman and Germanic and the transfer of merchandise lead to much more than a mindless adaption of foreign goods and ideas. The paper shows the wide-ranging ways the Germanics used Roman militaria: some items were copied, some were changed or transformed and some were re-designed and completely changed role.
Roman imports in Germanic Barbaricum are well analysed in regards to civilian imports like cauldrons, bronze and glass vessels. Just after the birth of Christ Roman militaria reach southern Scandinavia initiating a steady flow of sword blades, scabbard fittings and baldrics into the areas that are now Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This paper advocates the importance of the Roman military equipment and the need for a broader view on Roman imports in the discussion on Roman-Germanic relations.
Roman imports in Germanic Barbaricum are well analysed in regards to civilian imports like cauldrons, bronze and glass vessels. Just after the birth of Christ Roman militaria reach southern Scandinavia initiating a steady flow of sword blades, scabbard fittings and baldrics into the areas that are now Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This paper advocates the importance of the Roman military equipment and the need for a broader view on Roman imports in the discussion on Roman-Germanic relations.
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As new elites rise and fall the question again and again arises: how do the elite expand and maintain their grip on control and power? Central to this issue is the elite’s manifestation of military power in the weapon cult illustrated by... more
As new elites rise and fall the question again and again arises: how do the elite expand and maintain their grip on control and power? Central to this issue is the elite’s manifestation of military power in the weapon cult illustrated by the emergence of weapon burials in the Pre Roman Iron Age and its culmination in the weapon sacrificial rites of the Roman Iron Age.
This paper argues that military, religious and political power merged into a symbiotic co-existence in the centuries around the birth of Christ and illustrates this point by introducing a new view on the sacrificial rite, its motive, its function and its effect on the southern Scandinavia.
This paper argues that military, religious and political power merged into a symbiotic co-existence in the centuries around the birth of Christ and illustrates this point by introducing a new view on the sacrificial rite, its motive, its function and its effect on the southern Scandinavia.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Rivers, Affordances, Warfare, Iron Age, and 16 moreLakes, Bronze Age, Cult, Hoards, Relational Ontology, Alliances, Early Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Bog bodies, La Tène, Iron Age Weapon Deposits, Assemblages, Keywords: Water, Shoreline Displacement Models, Mälaren, Iron Age Weaponry, and Army Organisation
Roman militaria in Germanic Context. Largest collection of Roman produced militaria north of Limes. Mostly 2nd-3rd century AD
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This paper argues that the south Scandinavian area is more than relevant for limes research. The northern countries are not that remote, and the vast amount of non-military and military artifacts of Roman and Provincial-Roman manufacture... more
This paper argues that the south Scandinavian area is more than relevant for limes research. The northern countries are not that remote, and the vast amount of non-military and military artifacts of Roman and Provincial-Roman manufacture alone should be sufficient to stir ones curiosity. The Roman military equipment in south Scandinavian context speak both of direct and in-direct contact with the limes area, and the interaction between Germanic and Roman weaponry is a research field of vital importance to our understanding of Roman-Germanic relations. Furthermore, recent research indicates that Germanic tribes in “second line” beyond the frontier played an important role in Roman military strategy to maintain peace along limes.
Popular paper on the weapon deposit from Vimose. Research history and discussion on the nature of the different types of weapon deposits, including the war booty sacrifices.
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Research Interests: Archaeology and Iron Age
Popular paper on the weapon deposit from Vimose. Research history and discussion on the nature of the different types of weapon deposits, including the war booty sacrifices.
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This volume stems from the two sessions held at the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference (TRAC) 2013 in London and 2014 in Reading, on the topic of interactions between Romans and "Barbarians" on the edges of the empire. The volume... more
This volume stems from the two sessions held at the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference (TRAC) 2013 in London and 2014 in Reading, on the topic of interactions between Romans and "Barbarians" on the edges of the empire.
The volume is the first of a new series of monographs by the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference.
The volume is the first of a new series of monographs by the Theoretical Roman Archaeology Conference.
Research Interests: Roman History, Hybridity, Iron Age Ireland (Archaeology), Roman Britain, Roman Empire, and 8 moreLate Roman Archaeology, Late Iron Age (Archaeology), Cross-cultural interaction (Archaeology), Roman Netherlands, Roman Germany, Roman Iron Age in Scandinavia, Cultural Interactions Between Romans and Barbarians in Central Danubian Limes region from IV-VII century A. D., particulary the impact of Chernyakhov Culture on archaeological findings south of river Danube, and Roman Archaeology
Proceedings from the 18th RoMEC conference in 2013 in Copenhagen
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Research Interests: Archaeology and Iron Age
Research Interests: Prehistoric weapons, Early Iron Age, Ancient Archery, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, Prehistoric weapons, Iron Age (Archaeology), and 3 moreEarly Iron Age, Late Iron Age, Roman period, Late Antiquity, typology, chronology, distribution, function, fibulae, weapons, tools, harness, metal vessels, writing equipment, balances and weights, small finds, Bows and Arrows, and Weapon Deposits
Published in Fornvännen 2010
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Review published in Kuml 2011
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A short review of Thorsberger Moor vol. 1-4. Published in KUML 2016, s. 316-321. In Danish.