Viking-age bronze buckle discovered in Gotland
Two medieval buckles were discovered this summer on the southern part of the Swedish island of Gotland. The first one was spotted by an 8-year-old boy.
14th-century cannon discovered off Swedish coast
An international research team has confirmed that a cannon discovered off Sweden’s west coast dates back to the 14th century. It might be Europe’s oldest shipboard cannon.
Medieval Taxes: How Much Would You have to Pay?
Did medieval rulers place overbearing taxes on their peasants? A study on late medieval Sweden reveals fascinating details about how much peasants had to pay to the royal government in taxes.
Two medieval shipwrecks discovered in Sweden
The remains of two medieval merchant vessels, known as cogs, were discovered over the summer in western Sweden during an archaeological excavation. New evidence reveals that the ships were built outside of Scandinavia in the mid-14th century.
Medieval shipwreck’s cargo revealed by researchers
Around the year 1440, a ship was sailing towards Belgium when it sank off the coast of Sweden. Researchers have now been able to determine its cargo – which included copper, oak timber, quicklime, tar, and bricks and roof tiles – offering insights into trade in northern Europe during the late Middle Ages.
Medieval cog discovered off the coast of Sweden
A previously undiscovered shipwreck has been found off the west coast of Sweden. Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the oldest cogs to be found in Europe.
Viking shipyard discovered at Birka
Archaeologists in Sweden have located a unique Viking Age shipyard site at Birka, an important Norse town. The discovery challenges previous theories about how the maritime activities of the Viking Age were organised.
Early medieval bedding discovered in Sweden
This may well be the most interesting story about medieval pillows and bedding you will ever read.
The Life and Liturgy of Saint Birgitta of Sweden
When studying the relationship between women, music, and the medieval church, one of the most influential and prominent figures is Birgitta of Sweden.
Researchers present new finds from Gribshunden shipwreck
The researchers are now releasing a report that describes the new finds and discoveries made during this excavation, as well as a summary of previous knowledge and a new interpretive discussion of the large carvel vessel’s European origin and context.
Medieval Scandinavia: The Downfall of the Kalmar Union
For the ninth and last article in the series, Beñat Elortza Larrea explores the internal tensions and conflicts that caused the dissolution of the Kalmar Union.
Medieval Scandinavia: The Swedish Kingdom
Beñat Elortza Larrea discusses the transformation of Svealand and Götaland into the Swedish kingdom.
Viking-era farm discovered in Sweden
Archaeologists working near Stockholm have excavated a thousand-year-old farm, dating back to the Viking Age.
The spur goad from Skegrie in Scania, Sweden
The present paper focuses on a small metal artefact discovered in 2008 during archaeological excavations that preceded the construction of the E6 road leading from Trelleborg to Vellinge in Scania, Sweden.
Vikings Versus Neo-Nazis: Documentary on confronting racism and misappropriation of history
Medievalists have become increasingly concerned in recent years about the misappropriation of medieval history by Neo-Nazis and far-right groups. A documentary has just been released that shows how medieval-history lovers are confronting these groups, taking place in Sweden.
The Occupation of Gotland by the Teutonic Knights, 1398-1408
In 1398, the Teutonic Order occupied the island of Gotland and its city, Visby. The knights held the island for ten years.
Two Viking Age ship burials discovered in Sweden
A unique find of two boat burials from the Viking Age have been discovered in Sweden. One of the two graves was intact with remains of a man, a horse and a dog.
Trading in Viking-Period Scandinavia – A Business Only for a Few? The Jämtland Case
To what extent did people in rural areas in Viking-period Scandinavia, living outside the emporia of the time, participate in buying and selling goods?
Plotting, Rebellion, Fratricide: A Game of Thrones in Medieval Sweden
The one story that I wish to tell today is from Erikskrönikan, or ‘The Chronicle of Duke Erik’.
An Annotated Edition and Translation of The Older Law of Västergötland: The Rightless Code
The Older Law of Västergötland is the oldest surviving text in Old Swedish and marks the beginning of parchment manuscripts written in the vernacular in Sweden.
8-year-old girl discovers medieval sword in Swedish lake
A story making headlines around the world this week is the discovery of a medieval sword in Sweden. While an unusual event on its own, what is more remarkable is that the person who discovered it was an 8-year-old girl.
Half the population of the Viking-town Sigtuna were migrants, study finds
New analysis of the remains of 38 people who lived and died in the Swedish town of Sigtuna between the 10th and 12th centuries reveals high genetic variation and a wide scale migration.
Sko-Ella: The Woman Worse than the Devil
What is it that you truly desire? How far are you prepared to go to get it? Would you, say, treasure it even more than your immortal soul?
Örebro Castle: History, Secrets, and Romance
For anyone who visits Örebro, it is hard to miss its castle – an ancient-looking fortress made of weathered grey stones that stands on an islet in the middle of the city centre.