Archaeologists in Norway discovered seven medieval stone crosses carved into a former millstone quarry in Hyllestad, according to findings detailed by researcher Irene Baug. The discovery, announced in August 2026, sheds new light on the early Christianization of the region and the intersection of industrial quarrying sites with medieval religious practices.
Discovery at the Hyllestad Quarry
Irene Baug uncovered the stone monuments while investigating a large debris pile in the forest surrounding the Hyllestad quarry site. According to field reports, the initial objective of the excavation was to date the operational periods of historic millstone production rather than to search for religious artifacts. The seven stone crosses were found unexpectedly within the quarry’s operational zones, exhibiting precise craftsmanship that surprised the research team.
Historical Context and Significance
The newly found monuments date back approximately 900 years, placing them firmly in the medieval period when Christianity was solidifying its influence across rural Norway.
Researchers are currently examining the tool marks on the crosses to determine if the quarry workers carved the monuments using the same iron wedges and hammers applied to millstone production. This technical comparison provides researchers with clearer data regarding the crossover between stonemasons and religious stone-carvers in medieval Scandinavia.
Next Steps in the Hyllestad Excavation
Conservation teams from Norwegian research institutions are working to secure the site to prevent weather damage to the soft stone surfaces. Baug and her colleagues plan to conduct laser-scanning of all seven crosses to create digital three-dimensional models for comparative analysis with other medieval stone artifacts found along the Norwegian coast.
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