The aim of the camping of 2019 was to enhance the results of 2017 and 2018, and thereby providing a more complete knowledge base for future large-scale investigations of the site complex. The goal was therefore, in accordance with the investigation plan approved by the County administrative board, to complete the investigation and recording of the trenches and investigation areas previously started on the Vång hill and in the settlement area east Tvingvägen. In addition, metal detection surveys was conducted within several defined investigation areas of the site complex.

The excavation of trenches was placed within the recorded sites L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306,  and L1978:4818, RAÄ Hjortsberga 121 respectively. In summary, the 2019 campaign recorded additional contexts and finds within previously partly investigated areas, and added additional spatial information of the site complex as a whole through metal detection surveys.

Method and implementation

The trench (Trench A) opened within L1978:8860, RAÄ Hjortsberga 306 measured 13 m². Exposed contexts and finds were recorded in situ with Image-based-modeling. The excavation was then carried out with single-context method. Excavated fills and layers were water-sieved. One larger feature was partly excavated after consultation with the County administrative board. Sampling was made selectively and with the aim of future macro-fossil analysis.

Metal detection was systematically carried out within predefined investigation areas. The retrieved finds were manually recorded using field maps and later digitized post-excavation. No detection points that were ascertained to be related to underlying archaeological contexts were excavated during the campaign.

The field- personnel consisted of a team from Blekinge museum, Lund University, The Archaeologists – National Historical Museums and Södertörn University. Jonas Paulsson, Kula AB was responsible for and conducted the metal detection survey.  Additional total-station survey was made by Niclas Olsson, Blekinge mätservice and conservation work was conducted by Max Jahrehorn, OxiderAB. The find-list was compiled by Andreas Svensson, Lund University. Visual inspection analysis of ceramics and burnt clay was conducted by Torbjörn Brorsson, Kontoret för Keramiska Studier. Public mediation was focused on a continuous exhibition of artefacts at Kallvattenkuren, Ronneby Brunnspark. Public evening lectures showcasing results from the ongoing excavations were also given in Ronneby. A film consisting of drone footage and interviews with project participants was compiled for Lund University by Lars Persson-Tille, Lars Nilsson and Nicolas Tegsell.