in the 13th-14th centuries, also recount events from the Settlement Age, but these are today deemed to be largely fictional, although their value is recognised as evidence of the society and circumstances of their writers, and their conceptions of the Settlement Age. From these writings, a myth evolved of the dawn of Icelandic history, which played a major role in the Icelanders' campaign for independence in the 19th century, and has retained its iconic value for the nation ever since. Archaeological research on man-made structures and other relics from the early years of Icelandic history is of a different nature. Archaeology aims to examine the object of study, analyse it by all available means, and glean from it as much as possible about the society and individuals who left the relics. Archaeological methods have progressed enormously in the century since such research commenced in Iceland. Today's archaeologists apply a variety of hi-tech scientific approaches, in order to uncover the secrets of the smallest traces found. Their methods are not unlike the techniques of forensic scientists, familiar to us from TV and film, where traces invisible to the naked eye can yield vital evidence of past events. Archaeological finds from the Settlement Age cast light on the people who lived here, their way of life and society. But such research will never make any major contribution to resolving the debate on the source value of the Books of Icelanders and Settlements; however, this ongoing debate may in itself be seen as part of the iconic image, having its own symbolic value. The longhouse The outer walls of the house were made of turf pieces, known as strengur, with some added stone at their base. The roof was also of turf. Two roof posts supported the roof, but some of its weight must also have been carried by the walls. This is unusual for a dwelling of this period, where the weight of the roof was generally born by posts and other internal timbers. Intriguingly, under the western wall is the spine of a horse or cow and other bones. In the middle of the house was a fireplace, one of the largest what has been found in Iceland. Most of the house had trampled earthen floor. Only a small area of the western part of the house had a timber floor or platform, called a bench or set. This would have