An ancient field

The oldest archaeologically investigated ancient field at Rapola is near the cemetery of Matomäki on a relatively steep slope on the southwest side of Rapolanharju Ridge. The field was originally near the shoreline. Archaeologists have defined the field as having been approximately 18 x 28 metres in area. Crossing plough-marks were discovered in an area of approximately 500–600 m² in the field. The investigated ancient field is radiocarbon-dated to the Late Iron Age, from 780 to 1217 AD. Excavations revealed remains of an older dwelling site from the beginning of the Common Era under the cultivated layer. A small hearth, or fireplace, was also discovered in the middle of the ancient field. This, however, was older than the field.   The ancient field at Matomäki was discovered under the present field layer in 1989. The hearth at the right edge of the field was dated to the beginning of the Common Era. Photo: Anne Vikkula.