This old lady is recreated based on her skeleton, which was excavated in the 70s on the site of today's main library.

When she was born at the end of the 13th century, Trondheim was in a period of prosperity. The city was powerful by virtue of being the seat of an archbishop, and the completion of Nidaros Cathedral attracted craftsmen and traders from all over Europe. Based on where she was buried, we think she may have been part of a merchant family in the city's busy shopping street, Kaupmannastretet, and may have had good growing up conditions, but during her lifetime, major changes took place in Trondheim.

Her long life has left clear marks on her skeleton. She lived to be past 65, which was an old age at a time when most adults lived to be between 40 and 50. When she died, however, she was both toothless and hunchbacked.

At the NTNU University Museum, you can learn more about the woman, and life in Trondheim in Medieval times.