Hur tolkas begreppet 'boplats'? : En studie med fokus på Alvastra pålbyggnad

Sammanfattning: What the Middle Neolithic Alvastra pile dwelling in Östergötland, Sweden, was used for has been discussed since the site was discovered in early 20th century. The interpretation by Mats Malmer of the pile dwelling as a ceremonial settlement is until today the most widely accepted. How the word 'settlement' (swe. 'boplats') has been defined and used in the interpretations of the pile dwelling is however something to consider. Hence, from definitions of the word 'settlement' this essay aims to investigate different researchers’ interpretation in the context of Alvastra pile dwelling. Using secondary sources both the interpretations of the definition and the archaeological material found at the pile dwelling will be studied. The interpretations of the pile dwelling have been, and still are, varied. This study is therefore of importance for the understanding of what a settlement is as well as for how it is, and has been, interpreted.