Research on assemblies: Þingvellir and other assemblies 2002-2007
A five year archeological project was launched in 2002 by the Institute of Archaeology of Iceland with the support of the Milleninum Fund.
The key aims of the research were three-fold. First to explore the extent and conditions of archaeological ruins at Þingvellir and to seek the outermost boundaries of the assembly site. Secondly to research the general layout of assembly sites in Iceland and third to examine the age, type and previous use ancient monuments at Þingvellir.
Excavation and test trenches were dug in eigh different locations within the assembly site: the alleged site of Logberg, at Njalsbud on the west bank of the Öxara River, on the Spongin next to the water filled ravine Flosagja. In Midmundatun to the south of the Þingvellir house unknown ruins were found and more ruins were registered on the east side of the river Öxará.
The main findings of the research were that some conclusions of older research in the area were criticised and more unknown ruins were discovered outside the commonly viewed areas in previous research. For future research the conclusion was that the emphasis should be placed on the area to the south of the Thingvellir house