Illerup vol. 15 is the last volume in the many publications about the
sacrificial weapons find by Danish Illerup Adal from the late Iron Age.
This volume is about the many non-military finds, such as dice for board
games, beads, jewellery, amulets, etc. - things that the soldiers have
worn as jewellery around their necks, or in purses on their belts. These
items therefore give a unique insight into the soldiers' everyday lives,
their appearance and identity. Illerup vol. 15 differs from the previous
volumes by emphasising the Eastern European items. Much of the jewellery
and the amulets show close connections to the current Poland and
Ukraine, and the beads are the kind produced by the Roman Empire's
boarder on the Continent. The Eastern European items have not previously
been accessibly to a Scandinavian audience. This is therefore a unique
chance to get an insight into the trade relations and military alliances
that we (because of modern boarders) have found difficult to identify.
With vol. 15, the publication of the almost 16,000 items found at
Illerup Adal is done. The publication is one of the most influential in
Danish Iron Age research and is being used and cited as an absolute
principal work for researchers across the globe. At the same time, the
find is also known by ordinary people, who have had the opportunity to
enjoy the great and popular presentations and as well as the new
exhibition at Moesgaard Museum.
