Illerup Ådal

A river valley and major Iron Age weapon sacrifice site near Skanderborg in East Jutland, Denmark. Excavated from 1950-1956 and 1975-1985, the site yielded over 15,000 items including weapons and personal equipment from 200-500 AD, with only 40% of the sacrifice area explored. The largest deposit, dating to c. 205 AD, contained 300 spear points (two inscribed with the runic name Wagnijo), plus shields, belts, combs, and the remains of four horses. The weapons are interpreted as enemy equipment captured after victories and thrown into the lake as votive offerings to the gods. It is one of 25 such weapon sacrifice sites in Denmark and southern Sweden.