Archaeologists in Denmark have made a discovery that could significantly change ideas about the economy and level of societal development during the Viking Age. During excavations near the village of Søften, north of the city of Aarhus, a large craft complex dating from the 7th to the 10th centuries was uncovered, specializing in the mass production of textiles, Euronews writes.

The site covers an area of about 100,000 square meters. During the research, archaeologists excavated 82 pit-houses, which they believe were used as specialized textile workshops.

Such a number of similar production buildings indicates a high degree of division of labor and, probably, the existence of a centralized organization of production.

During the excavations, hundreds of loom weights, spindle whorls, and glass beads were found. According to the researchers, these finds make it possible to trace virtually the entire textile-making cycle—from fiber processing to the production of finished cloth. The scale of production far exceeded the needs of the local population, indicating that the goods were made for trade.

Another important discovery was Arab coins, as well as coins minted in the territories of modern-day France and Germany. These finds show that the settlement’s inhabitants were part of extensive trade networks stretching from Scandinavia to the Middle East.

The settlement was located near the ancient trading center of Aros—the predecessor of modern Aarhus—which made it easy to transport the manufactured goods to domestic and foreign markets.

Historian Kasper Andersen from the Moesgaard Museum noted that the discovery demonstrates the high level of economic development during the Viking Age.

Researchers continue to analyze the finds. Scientific processing of the materials may take from several months to several years, after which the most valuable artifacts are planned to be presented in the Moesgaard Museum exhibition.