From Wetland to Suburb – Archaeological Investigations at Rävala Ave. 8 in Tallinn

Abstract

The first season of the multi-year rescue excavation at Rävala Ave. 8 and Estonia Ave. 1/3 in Tallinn opened an area that was originally a wetland with a shallow pond formed in a former relict water basin between beach ridges. From the late 13th century onward, it was subdivided into three plots delineated by wattle-fenced embankments and drainage ditches, with two limestone-lined livestock wells and a wooden latrine constructed nearby and remaining in use into the 16th century. The recovered arte- and ecofacts point to material culture typical of prosperous households rather than a modest suburban context. Pollen analysis from the pond sediments trace increasing anthropogenic influence over time, consistent with the archaeological stratigraphy.