Imagine Vikings burying their dead here. We are standing before Lille Brokhøj. It is a round barrow that whispers tales from Denmark’s ancient past.
Lille Brokhøj is one of thousands of protected round barrows in Denmark. These mounds dot the landscape. Each one marks a burial site from a bygone era. These round barrows are the most common type of burial mound known in Denmark. They can be found all over the country.
The barrow dates back to ancient times. This vast period stretches from 250,000 BC to 1066 AD. Imagine the passage of time. Generations lived and died. They left their mark on this very spot.
Lille Brokhøj itself measures about 2 meters by 18 meters. Today, it is covered with scrub. It also shows signs of fox and badger burrows. These creatures now call this ancient monument home.
Round barrows get their name from their rounded shape. Many have been ploughed over the years. Some have vanished entirely. Others can only be found through archaeological digs.
The ancient period began after the Ice Age ended. Around 13,000 BC the first hunters followed reindeer north. They arrived in what is now Denmark. The period ends with the Iron Age. This age is named for the iron tools that were used. The secret process of extracting iron dominated the early Iron Age.
Aarhus itself has Viking roots. The city began as a fortified Viking settlement in the 8th century. Written records mention a bishopric here from at least 948. Aarhus was known as ‘Århus’ or ‘Åros’ in old times. This meant ‘The Mouth of the River’. ‘Å’ means river. ‘Oss’ means mouth.
Aarhus is one of Denmark’s oldest cities. It was founded in the early Viking Age. Other ancient cities include Ribe and Hedeby. Aarhus history stretches back more than 1,300 years. The city only really grew at the end of the 19th century.
Take a moment to appreciate Lille Brokhøj. This unassuming mound connects us to the distant past. It reminds us of the lives and rituals of those who came before. This site has been protected since 1937. Its protection number is 201140. Its site and location number is 130710-123. As we move on, carry with you a sense of wonder. Think about the layers of history beneath our feet.