House of Questions
Delphi House of Questions was an EU Culture 2000 project by three EXARC members. Under this umbrella, other EXARC members as well collected and answered the most frequently asked questions by visitors to archaeological open-air museums. The largest part of this collection of questions you can find here – as many of them still carry importance. In most cases we offer the questions both in the original language and in English. With several questions you will find illustrations by Savannah Parent.
What did they eat at the Crannogs in Scotland (UK)?
We have found traces of spelt and emmer wheat on site and barley. Also, a wide range of nuts and berries, including cloud-berry, raspberry, strawberry, brambles, sloes and wild cherries. Hazelnuts are in great abundance. Wild carrots, wild cabbages, wild garlic and thyme, and meat from domestic animals such as sheep and cow. Butter and cheese were found, but So far no fish bones have been found, but we have net weights.
How heavy are the stones of a megalithic tomb (NL)?
There are both large and small megalithic tombs in Drenthe (NL). The largest is near Borger. The most heavy stones used for this one weigh about 23,000 kilos!
How heavy is a mammoth tusk? What is its value (CH)?
We have never weighed the tusk in the museum in Zug, but it is this heavy, it has to be carried by two people. The value cannot be expressed in money as it is of scientific nature...
How long did it take the Vikings to build a house like the Borg Museums’ longhouse (NO)?
It depends on what resources and materials were available. A possible estimate is one to two years (the reconstruction took one year to build), but we must also consider that the house seems to have been continually added to and maintained.
What kinds of people were working in the castle (NL)?
A castle could have different functions. In most cases, it was the building from which the neighbouring territory was controlled. This could be a town, an important road or a larger area. Often soldiers were encamped, a garrison...
When did gunpowder weapons become common in Denmark (DK)?
It is difficult to say with any certainty, but a number of small hand cannons have been found in Scandinavia, dating from the later half of the 14th century and the early 15th century. By then, it must have been a relatively common weapon in Denmark...
What kind of weapons did people use in the Middle Ages (NL)?
Weapons were both used when hunting, in a fight and at war. Many items can be used as weapon, in an impulse, but I think you refer to tools specifically made to hunt with, to hurt or to kill, to threat with or to use in fight sports or tournaments...
Did they keep animals at the Biskupin fortress in the Iron Age (PL)?
The people of Biskupin cultivated land, about 150 – 200 ha. For this, they used oxen and cows. Within the Biskupin settlements, lots of bones of domesticated animals were found. They kept cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and dogs...
What did the dwellings in the lake fortress look like (LV)?
The 9th century lake fortress consisted of 16 houses, with a habitable area of 10–30 m2. The houses were built of horizontal logs, with gently-sloping roofs, made of spruce or birch bark, as well as turf, and served at the same time as the ceiling...
Did all people in the Neolithic houses in Northwest Schleswig sleep in one bed/place (DE)?
There were „big“ bed-constructions existing and we can estimate that they gave room for a few people, maybe belonging to one family? Anyway it is nearly clear that all people slept in a single room – the room with the fire-place!