Maglemosegård, Vedbæk, Denmark. Chemical Mapping of a Buried Mesolithic Site

Abstract

On the Mesolithic coastal settlement of Maglemosegård some 1000 m2 of buried settlement fl oor was investigated by means of geo-chemical analysis of soil samples from borings and open sections. The study was primarily of a methodical character where, based on the content of phosphorus in the analysed samples, it was possible to establish the vertical and horizontal boundaries of the settlement as well as defi ne a number of phosphorus rich settlement structures. The pH values of the soil samples also proved to be affected by the settlement while analysis of a number of trace elements provided no meaningful data. The results of the investigation can be juxtaposed in a number of contour maps illustrating the cultural layer and the settlement’s topography within the limits of the investigated area. The results can provide us with a more varied picture of the settlement’s structure, size, and state of preservation.