Given at The Danish Institute of Athens on February 16, 2022
Abstract: The lecture presents some of the most significant archaeological finds in Denmark from the transition from the pre-Christian period into the Early Middle Ages. Christianity was introduced in the 8th century and attempts of regular mission followed in the 9th century from the Frankish Empire. The official acceptance of Christianity by the Danish king Harald Bluetooth came later, in the 960s. This crucial decision was documented in a most unusual way on the king’s great rune stone as a part of the royal Jelling Monuments. These will form the core of the presentation followed by a view of some of the possible intentions behind their layout. On this background, it shall be discussed how and when the descendants of the Vikings may have ended up as really Christian Europeans.
Per Kristian Madsen was previously the Director of the National Museum of Denmark.
Top Image: Photo by Roberto Fortuna, commissioned by the Danish National Museum – Wikimedia Commons
How Did Danish Vikings Become Christian European?
Lecture by Per Kristian Madsen
Given at The Danish Institute of Athens on February 16, 2022
Abstract: The lecture presents some of the most significant archaeological finds in Denmark from the transition from the pre-Christian period into the Early Middle Ages. Christianity was introduced in the 8th century and attempts of regular mission followed in the 9th century from the Frankish Empire. The official acceptance of Christianity by the Danish king Harald Bluetooth came later, in the 960s. This crucial decision was documented in a most unusual way on the king’s great rune stone as a part of the royal Jelling Monuments. These will form the core of the presentation followed by a view of some of the possible intentions behind their layout. On this background, it shall be discussed how and when the descendants of the Vikings may have ended up as really Christian Europeans.
Per Kristian Madsen was previously the Director of the National Museum of Denmark.
Top Image: Photo by Roberto Fortuna, commissioned by the Danish National Museum – Wikimedia Commons
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