Everything in JORVIK Viking Centre is
based on archaeological evidence unearthed during
the Coppergate excavations undertaken between 1979–81
by York Archaeological Trust.
Archaeologists started digging on the site of an
old sweet factory and unearthed remains of 10th century
Viking-age buildings that were surrounded by moist,
spongy layers of earth similar to that of a peat bog.
These damp conditions helped preserve everyday Viking
items such as wood, leather, cloth, bugs and even
a Viking toilet and its contents.
In total an incredible 40,000 objects were uncovered
by excavating 36,000 layers and sieving 8 tonnes of
soil!
