• Om Österfärnebo (Gästrikland) från missionstid till nutid med nedslag i tre öden: bonden Vilev,... more • Om Österfärnebo (Gästrikland) från missionstid till nutid med nedslag i tre öden: bonden Vilev, känd från runstenen Gs 1, Sankta Barbara, kyrkans medeltida skyddshelgon och ”onde prästen” Wittingh, verksam omkring 1800. • A story of the parish Österfärnebo (Gästrikland province) during a thousand years.
(In Swedish) Sigtuna is one of Scandinavia’s richest archaeologically investigated boat-yard site... more (In Swedish) Sigtuna is one of Scandinavia’s richest archaeologically investigated boat-yard sites (10th–13th centuries). Thousands of rusty clench bolts are testimony of a large-scale operation.
(In Swedish) Three medieval lead seals, bullae, which have been found in Sigtuna are discussed bo... more (In Swedish) Three medieval lead seals, bullae, which have been found in Sigtuna are discussed both as single objects and as a group.
This paper examines all known finds of dice and gaming pieces from the settlement layers (occupat... more This paper examines all known finds of dice and gaming pieces from the settlement layers (occupation deposits) of Sigtuna, Sweden (AD c. 980–c.1300). The oldest dice, two items, are of rectangular Iron Age type, while all later dice are cubic. The majority are made from bone, antler, and walrus ivory. Nearly half exhibit a die pip arrangement of 6+5 / 4+3 / 2+1. The ‘modern’ arrangement where opposite faces always add up to 7, is less frequent. Both arrangement patterns co-existed from the 12th century. Onion-shaped gaming pieces from 11th century layers testify to board games, as does the single find of a hnefatafl board. Finds of chess pieces indicate that chess was first introduced in the 12th century. Over half of the gaming pieces are of antler. Other materials used are walrus ivory, bone including whalebone, and glass. Simple gaming pieces made from wood and the points of elk-antler tines are evidence of gaming by ordinary people.
(In Swedish) This article discusses all finds of gaming pieces from Sigtuna housed in the collect... more (In Swedish) This article discusses all finds of gaming pieces from Sigtuna housed in the collections of Sigtuna Museum; a total of 88 specimens. (Dice were discussed in a previous article and are not included.)
(In Swedish) This article discusses all archaeological finds of dice from Sigtuna that are preser... more (In Swedish) This article discusses all archaeological finds of dice from Sigtuna that are preserved in the museum’s collections: a total of 90 specimens. It is part of a more extensive study, published 2022, also including gaming pieces:
https://www.academia.edu/76927385/Spelföremål_från_Sigtuna
En bakgrund, presentation och översättning av de bevarade stroferna av Ottar Svartes kvad till Ol... more En bakgrund, presentation och översättning av de bevarade stroferna av Ottar Svartes kvad till Olof Skötkonung (ca 1017–1018).
Translation into Swedish of the short Saga of Bishop Sigurd, from the mediaeval Icelandic manuscr... more Translation into Swedish of the short Saga of Bishop Sigurd, from the mediaeval Icelandic manuscript, Flateyarbok.
After his master Olav Tryggvason’s demise at the Battle of Svolder (c.1000 A.D.) Sigurd was summoned to the Swedish court of king Olof Eriksson (later known as ‘Olof Skötkonung’). According to his saga, Sigurd then baptised king Olof and many other Swedes. However, after a few years some had evidently reverted to their pagan sacrifices. At a Thing held in Sigtuna (in 1003 or 1004 A.D., following the chronology maintained in the saga) Bishop Sigurd sternly and solemnly lectured all apostates to repent and return to the Church.
Fornsigtuna’s Iron Age royal manor house and other buildings on the site were torn down shortly b... more Fornsigtuna’s Iron Age royal manor house and other buildings on the site were torn down shortly before AD 1000, and the place-name Sigtuna was transferred to the newly-established Christian town. From then on, the Fornsigtuna estate was cultivated by a royal bailiff and tenant farmers, occupying a new site with a cross marked runic stone on display. Ruins of a medieval manor at Fornsigtuna are mentioned by a few 17th-century writers. Up to now the search for this building has been inconclusive but its existence should not be ruled out until further investigations have been conducted.
A short paper highlighting recent (partly GPR-aided) research about the Fornsigtuna (Old Sigtuna)... more A short paper highlighting recent (partly GPR-aided) research about the Fornsigtuna (Old Sigtuna) site in Håtuna parish, Uppland, Sweden. It includes the Iron Age aristocratic settlement and cultic area, the later development of a farming village, and the 17th century manor. In Swedish. (Co-author Olof Heimer.)
It is suggested that a house-foundation on sills and a flat barrow, partly excavated in the 1980s... more It is suggested that a house-foundation on sills and a flat barrow, partly excavated in the 1980s, should be re-interpreted as the Fornsigtuna manor’s sacred area, the temple of Odin described by Snorri. The place-name, later transferred to the new town, would denote this.
Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of ... more Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of these, 15 are of a type modelled on Old Rus’ war axes. In present-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland miniature axes like these have been found both in graves and in other archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers. The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles. The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical. Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved. Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for Young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
In all, 14 axe-amulets (miniature, bronze axes) of a type considered originating in Kiev Rus, are... more In all, 14 axe-amulets (miniature, bronze axes) of a type considered originating in Kiev Rus, are (in 2008) known from Sigtuna, Sweden. It is by far the biggest site anywhere for this rare artifact. Among the most recent finds, one item is of type 2 according to Makarov, the first in Sigtuna of this type. They all belong to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD and were probably brought from Rus by returning Scandinavians, perhaps mercenaries.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sw... more Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sweden. It is the largest concentration of this artefact anywhere, inside or outside Rus. The axe-amulets in Sigtuna probably originate with Scandinavians returning from mercenary duty with the Rus' princes. They are dated stratigraphically to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD.
Study of Marine Archaeology. Volume 4. 2000. (ed. P. E. Sorokin & O. I. Boguslavskij)
Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sw... more Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sweden. It is the largest concentration of this artefact anywhere, inside or outside Rus. The axe-amulets in Sigtuna probably originate with Scandinavians returning from mercenary duty with the Rus' princes. They are dated stratigraphically to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. The number of miniature axes in Sigtuna now stands at 16. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
New Aspects on Viking-age Urbanism c. AD 750–1100, 2017
Attention is called to the material foundations of early 11th century Swedish nation-building. Th... more Attention is called to the material foundations of early 11th century Swedish nation-building. The town of Sigtuna, with its organized plan, sites of Christian worship, royal mint and (perhaps) rune stone workshops is considered as having played an deciding role. The previous notion of Danish overlordship of Sigtuna (king Canute) in the 1020’s is refuted, as it relied on an interpretation of coinage which no longer is valid. It is instead suggested that the pagan lords and peasants of Uppland supported the Christian king Anund in his conflict with Canute, which also might explain why the king (and his successors for almost 100 years) showed patience with the pre-Christian cult there.
Two new finds of ship graffiti are here reported and briefly described. The first is from Birka a... more Two new finds of ship graffiti are here reported and briefly described. The first is from Birka and rather tentative and occurs on a bone skate from Stolpe’s 19th century excavations. The second is more definitive and occurs on a rib-bone (cattle) excavated in 1999 from Sigtuna. The Birka sketches are the earliest known from Central Sweden while those from Sigtuna provide a unique sequence of dated ship sketches from the one site.
• Om Österfärnebo (Gästrikland) från missionstid till nutid med nedslag i tre öden: bonden Vilev,... more • Om Österfärnebo (Gästrikland) från missionstid till nutid med nedslag i tre öden: bonden Vilev, känd från runstenen Gs 1, Sankta Barbara, kyrkans medeltida skyddshelgon och ”onde prästen” Wittingh, verksam omkring 1800. • A story of the parish Österfärnebo (Gästrikland province) during a thousand years.
(In Swedish) Sigtuna is one of Scandinavia’s richest archaeologically investigated boat-yard site... more (In Swedish) Sigtuna is one of Scandinavia’s richest archaeologically investigated boat-yard sites (10th–13th centuries). Thousands of rusty clench bolts are testimony of a large-scale operation.
(In Swedish) Three medieval lead seals, bullae, which have been found in Sigtuna are discussed bo... more (In Swedish) Three medieval lead seals, bullae, which have been found in Sigtuna are discussed both as single objects and as a group.
This paper examines all known finds of dice and gaming pieces from the settlement layers (occupat... more This paper examines all known finds of dice and gaming pieces from the settlement layers (occupation deposits) of Sigtuna, Sweden (AD c. 980–c.1300). The oldest dice, two items, are of rectangular Iron Age type, while all later dice are cubic. The majority are made from bone, antler, and walrus ivory. Nearly half exhibit a die pip arrangement of 6+5 / 4+3 / 2+1. The ‘modern’ arrangement where opposite faces always add up to 7, is less frequent. Both arrangement patterns co-existed from the 12th century. Onion-shaped gaming pieces from 11th century layers testify to board games, as does the single find of a hnefatafl board. Finds of chess pieces indicate that chess was first introduced in the 12th century. Over half of the gaming pieces are of antler. Other materials used are walrus ivory, bone including whalebone, and glass. Simple gaming pieces made from wood and the points of elk-antler tines are evidence of gaming by ordinary people.
(In Swedish) This article discusses all finds of gaming pieces from Sigtuna housed in the collect... more (In Swedish) This article discusses all finds of gaming pieces from Sigtuna housed in the collections of Sigtuna Museum; a total of 88 specimens. (Dice were discussed in a previous article and are not included.)
(In Swedish) This article discusses all archaeological finds of dice from Sigtuna that are preser... more (In Swedish) This article discusses all archaeological finds of dice from Sigtuna that are preserved in the museum’s collections: a total of 90 specimens. It is part of a more extensive study, published 2022, also including gaming pieces:
https://www.academia.edu/76927385/Spelföremål_från_Sigtuna
En bakgrund, presentation och översättning av de bevarade stroferna av Ottar Svartes kvad till Ol... more En bakgrund, presentation och översättning av de bevarade stroferna av Ottar Svartes kvad till Olof Skötkonung (ca 1017–1018).
Translation into Swedish of the short Saga of Bishop Sigurd, from the mediaeval Icelandic manuscr... more Translation into Swedish of the short Saga of Bishop Sigurd, from the mediaeval Icelandic manuscript, Flateyarbok.
After his master Olav Tryggvason’s demise at the Battle of Svolder (c.1000 A.D.) Sigurd was summoned to the Swedish court of king Olof Eriksson (later known as ‘Olof Skötkonung’). According to his saga, Sigurd then baptised king Olof and many other Swedes. However, after a few years some had evidently reverted to their pagan sacrifices. At a Thing held in Sigtuna (in 1003 or 1004 A.D., following the chronology maintained in the saga) Bishop Sigurd sternly and solemnly lectured all apostates to repent and return to the Church.
Fornsigtuna’s Iron Age royal manor house and other buildings on the site were torn down shortly b... more Fornsigtuna’s Iron Age royal manor house and other buildings on the site were torn down shortly before AD 1000, and the place-name Sigtuna was transferred to the newly-established Christian town. From then on, the Fornsigtuna estate was cultivated by a royal bailiff and tenant farmers, occupying a new site with a cross marked runic stone on display. Ruins of a medieval manor at Fornsigtuna are mentioned by a few 17th-century writers. Up to now the search for this building has been inconclusive but its existence should not be ruled out until further investigations have been conducted.
A short paper highlighting recent (partly GPR-aided) research about the Fornsigtuna (Old Sigtuna)... more A short paper highlighting recent (partly GPR-aided) research about the Fornsigtuna (Old Sigtuna) site in Håtuna parish, Uppland, Sweden. It includes the Iron Age aristocratic settlement and cultic area, the later development of a farming village, and the 17th century manor. In Swedish. (Co-author Olof Heimer.)
It is suggested that a house-foundation on sills and a flat barrow, partly excavated in the 1980s... more It is suggested that a house-foundation on sills and a flat barrow, partly excavated in the 1980s, should be re-interpreted as the Fornsigtuna manor’s sacred area, the temple of Odin described by Snorri. The place-name, later transferred to the new town, would denote this.
Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of ... more Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of these, 15 are of a type modelled on Old Rus’ war axes. In present-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland miniature axes like these have been found both in graves and in other archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers. The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles. The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical. Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved. Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for Young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
In all, 14 axe-amulets (miniature, bronze axes) of a type considered originating in Kiev Rus, are... more In all, 14 axe-amulets (miniature, bronze axes) of a type considered originating in Kiev Rus, are (in 2008) known from Sigtuna, Sweden. It is by far the biggest site anywhere for this rare artifact. Among the most recent finds, one item is of type 2 according to Makarov, the first in Sigtuna of this type. They all belong to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD and were probably brought from Rus by returning Scandinavians, perhaps mercenaries.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sw... more Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sweden. It is the largest concentration of this artefact anywhere, inside or outside Rus. The axe-amulets in Sigtuna probably originate with Scandinavians returning from mercenary duty with the Rus' princes. They are dated stratigraphically to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD.
Study of Marine Archaeology. Volume 4. 2000. (ed. P. E. Sorokin & O. I. Boguslavskij)
Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sw... more Nine bronze axe-amulets of a type considered as originating in Kiev Rus were found in Sigtuna, Sweden. It is the largest concentration of this artefact anywhere, inside or outside Rus. The axe-amulets in Sigtuna probably originate with Scandinavians returning from mercenary duty with the Rus' princes. They are dated stratigraphically to the 11th and 12th Centuries AD.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. The number of miniature axes in Sigtuna now stands at 16. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
New Aspects on Viking-age Urbanism c. AD 750–1100, 2017
Attention is called to the material foundations of early 11th century Swedish nation-building. Th... more Attention is called to the material foundations of early 11th century Swedish nation-building. The town of Sigtuna, with its organized plan, sites of Christian worship, royal mint and (perhaps) rune stone workshops is considered as having played an deciding role. The previous notion of Danish overlordship of Sigtuna (king Canute) in the 1020’s is refuted, as it relied on an interpretation of coinage which no longer is valid. It is instead suggested that the pagan lords and peasants of Uppland supported the Christian king Anund in his conflict with Canute, which also might explain why the king (and his successors for almost 100 years) showed patience with the pre-Christian cult there.
Two new finds of ship graffiti are here reported and briefly described. The first is from Birka a... more Two new finds of ship graffiti are here reported and briefly described. The first is from Birka and rather tentative and occurs on a bone skate from Stolpe’s 19th century excavations. The second is more definitive and occurs on a rib-bone (cattle) excavated in 1999 from Sigtuna. The Birka sketches are the earliest known from Central Sweden while those from Sigtuna provide a unique sequence of dated ship sketches from the one site.
En kort tillbakablick på egen forskning och andras inlägg i frågan om Ormen Friskes haveri på Nor... more En kort tillbakablick på egen forskning och andras inlägg i frågan om Ormen Friskes haveri på Nordsjön 1950, då 15 svenskar omkom.
Ormen Friske, en svenskbyggd kopia av det norska vikingatida Gokstadsskeppet, gick under i Nordsj... more Ormen Friske, en svenskbyggd kopia av det norska vikingatida Gokstadsskeppet, gick under i Nordsjön 1950. Alla ombord, 15 svenskar, omkom. Rune Edbergs bok Vikingaskeppet Ormen Friskes undergång. Ett drama i det kalla krigets skugga gavs ut av Södertörns högskola 2004. Arbetet baserades på mycket omfattande studier. Det behandlar bakgrunden till bygget av och färden med Ormen Friske, förberedelserna, själva resan, omständigheterna vid och orsaken till haveriet, flygbombningens roll, de svenska och tyska myndigheternas agerande, identifieringen av de omkomna och hur minnet av tragedin lever i berättelser och bevarade föremål. Använd denna länk till en intervju med Rune Edberg i Svt i april 2005.
Tobias Svanelid intervjuar Rune Edberg om hans forskning om Ormen Friske. Vetenskapsradion histor... more Tobias Svanelid intervjuar Rune Edberg om hans forskning om Ormen Friske. Vetenskapsradion historia 2005,
The Ormen Friske, a Swedish replica of the Viking ship from Gokstad, Norway, sank in the North Se... more The Ormen Friske, a Swedish replica of the Viking ship from Gokstad, Norway, sank in the North Sea in June 1950, drowning all 15 on board. The fatal voyage started from the Viking Age site of Birka in Lake Mälaren. Having successfully sailed across the Baltic Sea and having been towed through the Kiel Canal, the ship set sail for Rotterdam but perished near Helgoland.
An inquiry by a German official, supported by eyewitness accounts, showed that the ship had been caught in bad weather. The crew steered for shelter at Helgoland, but at that moment U.S. aircraft commenced a high-altitude practice bombing run, targeting the evacuated island, thus apparently preventing the ship from reaching it. Swedish officials suppressed the role that the bombing may have had in the disaster and re-jected the conclusions of the German inquiry. Sweden also declined proposals for an inspection of the wreck by experts, and none was made. Nor was a message in a bottle, testifying to the bombing, examined. The disaster was instead blamed on the ship’s alleged deficiencies and the crew’s inexperience.
During the Cold War, the government of non-allied Sweden cooperated closely in military and intelligence matters with the U.S. and Britain. The reason for the cover-up was to avoid annoying these powers.
Most of the ship’s wreckage was cleared away. But a small number of parts and artifacts were safeguarded, some of which still survive in museums, archives and private homes. A register of all known
remains, both discarded and still existing, has been compiled. They are discussed in terms of the varying meaning attributed to them by the different authorities and people involved. Also, the remaining artifacts have their sentimental value thanks to their accompanying narratives. Sources also include documents in public archives and private files, press and amateur photos, newspaper reports as well as personal communication with elderly people who were once involved with the construction of the ship or related to its crewmen.
See also www.majken.tk/ormenfriske/
Stockholm Marine Archaeology Reports, 6, Jan 1, 2011
This work combines aspects from the author’s previous research studies Färder i österled (2002) a... more This work combines aspects from the author’s previous research studies Färder i österled (2002) and Vikingaskeppet Ormens Friskes undergång (2004). Both address Viking age ships, reconstrucions, and people’s relations to these ships in the past and the present. Theories and methods working with an Archaeology of the Contemporary Past are discussed. Stockholm Marine Archaeology Reports, 6
See also www.majken.tk/ormenfriske/ and www.majken.tk/aifur/
Journal of Archaeology and Ancient History, Oct 1, 2013
Ormen Friske, a Swedish reconstruction of a Viking ship, was wrecked in a North Sea gale in 1950,... more Ormen Friske, a Swedish reconstruction of a Viking ship, was wrecked in a North Sea gale in 1950, with the loss of its crew of 15 young men. At the time, the disaster was attributed to bad construction and poor seamanship, and this is still the customary interpretation. Although the wreck was available for examination, Swedish authorities decided that it should be discarded; subsequently, the tragedy was never seriously investigated. Any role by the US in the bombing of the island of Heligoland that coincided in time and place with the sinking of the vessel was also denied or downplayed. The bombing as such was later acknowledged by US military authorities, but its possible part in the Ormen Friske disaster is still unclear. The event is here examined within the context of the Cold War. In particular, the Swedish consulate in Hamburg wished to avoid annoying the British authorities, who at the time ruled this sector of occupied Germany. Several aspects from working with contemporary and recent sources are discussed. Some parts of the ship and personal belongings of the crew are held in museums or kept by relatives and are here treated as bearers of the narrative of the tragedy.
Two articles from the Swedish Marinarkeologisk tidskrift 2005 and 2009, respectively. English ver... more Two articles from the Swedish Marinarkeologisk tidskrift 2005 and 2009, respectively. English versions first published on the Web in 2013.
Written by Rune Edberg as comments in discussions after the 2004 publication of his book about the Ormen Friske tragedy (“Vikingaskeppet Ormen Friskes undergång”).
Meddelanden och rapporter från Sigtuna Museum, 65, 2022
Dice, gaming-pieces and a gaming board from Sigtuna, Sweden (AD c. 980 – c. 1500). (In Swedish, s... more Dice, gaming-pieces and a gaming board from Sigtuna, Sweden (AD c. 980 – c. 1500). (In Swedish, short summary in English.)
Bone skates from two sites in Sweden were examined, a total of 679 objects. Bone from cattle prev... more Bone skates from two sites in Sweden were examined, a total of 679 objects. Bone from cattle prevailed in Birka (8th to 10th cent. AD) bone from horse in Sigtuna (10th to 13th cent. AD). Average length was c. 20 cm in Birka and c. 22 cm in Sigtuna. It seems that in Birka bone skating was practiced mostly by children. In Sigtuna also by teenagers and perhaps even adults. Bone skates are interpreted as traces of the children and youth of pre-history. (In Swedish, summary in English).
A collection of the author’s articles from the last few years on the topic of Viking Age travels ... more A collection of the author’s articles from the last few years on the topic of Viking Age travels from Scandinavia to the East (in the Baltic, to Russia and beyond). In Swedish.
Fem stadsgårdar - arkeologisk undersökning i kv. Trädgårdsmästaren 9 & 10 i Sigtuna 1988-90. MORR No 52, 2011
The official report of the large excavation at the Trädgårdsmästaren site, Sigtuna, Sweden,1988-1... more The official report of the large excavation at the Trädgårdsmästaren site, Sigtuna, Sweden,1988-1990. Meddelanden och rapporter från Sigtuna Museum nr 52. Wikström, A (ed). Authors: A Wikström, A Söderberg, R Edberg, B Pettersson, M Roslund. 2011.
The report is written in Swedish.
Meddelanden och rapporter från Sigtuna Museum, 55, Sep 1, 2012
Fishing tackle, found in the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries occupation layers of Sigtuna, are revi... more Fishing tackle, found in the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries occupation layers of Sigtuna, are reviewed and discussed in comparison with an osteologist's review of fish-bones from the same site. In Swedish.
(I skriften antas isläggar indikera vinterfiske. Förf. har i senare forskning speciellt behandlat isläggar och då omprövat denna idé.)
Meddelanden och rapporter från Sigtuna Museum, 50, Jul 1, 2011
A survey of clench bolts from Sigtuna's 10th to 13th Century occupational layers. 810 complete it... more A survey of clench bolts from Sigtuna's 10th to 13th Century occupational layers. 810 complete items (rivet and rove still in position) were examined and interpreted as remains from the breaking-up of boats and ships. Medium width was 28 mm, indicating ship's planking of half that size, apparently in general the small to medium size vessels that plied to and fro the town with life's necessities, but also probably including some larger ships. mostly from small and medium-sized vessels, probably used for personal transport and for supplying the town with food and firewood.
Stockholm Marine Archaeology Reports, 2, Jan 1, 2002
A collection of a number of the author's articles from his research about Scandinavia and Rus dur... more A collection of a number of the author's articles from his research about Scandinavia and Rus during the Viking Age, mostly featuring possibilities and concepts of boats and river travels.
Hela arbetet finns på DiVA:
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:193092/FULLTEXT01.pdf --
See also www.majken.tk/aifur/
Meddelanden och rapporter från Sigtuna Museum, 5, Oct 1, 2001
An archaeological-experimental river journey along the river Daugava (Zapadnya Dvina) in Latvia a... more An archaeological-experimental river journey along the river Daugava (Zapadnya Dvina) in Latvia and Belarus was attempted by a Swedish crew in 2001. The ancient town of Polotsk (Viking Age Scandinavian "Palteskia" or "Palteskiuborg") was visited.
An under-water Viking Age pile barrage was discovered and mapped in the narrow sound Pålsundet, S... more An under-water Viking Age pile barrage was discovered and mapped in the narrow sound Pålsundet, Södermanland Province, on the Baltic coast of Central Sweden. It is discussed with comparisons and in its regional context.
Del I: Katalog av Erik Sörling.
Del 2: Studier och äldre uppgifter.
Red. för hela utgåvan: Anne... more Del I: Katalog av Erik Sörling.
Del 2: Studier och äldre uppgifter.
Red. för hela utgåvan: Anne-Sofie Gräslund, Jan Peder Lamm, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson och Rune Edberg.
Finns digitalt på DiVA: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-362674 och urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-362675
---
The artifacts from the digs by Hjalmar Stolpe in Birka’s Black Earth in the 19th century.
In Swedish; an English companion available:
https://www.academia.edu/37750419/Artefacts_from_Birka_s_Black_Earth_an_English_companion_to_the_Swedish_text
(In Swedish) Swedish princess Ingegerd (c. 1000–1050 AD), became by marriage first princess of No... more (In Swedish) Swedish princess Ingegerd (c. 1000–1050 AD), became by marriage first princess of Novgorod and later grand princess of Kiev. Recently her life has become a controversial issue as some antiquarians in Kiev no longer accept the tradition of identifying her as the St. Anna of Novgorod, venerated by Orthodox Christians. Also, the foundation of St. Sophia cathedral in Kiev has recently by some scholars been ascribed to grand prince Vladimir, not to his son Jaroslav (Ingegerd’s spouse) which long has been the general assessment by scholars. This development does not, as it seems to me, necessarily represent any breakthroughs in research, but rather efforts to create a national heritage, separate from the Old Rus tradition, reflecting today’s political situation.
The interpretation of the buried person in Bj 581 as ‘a high-ranking warrior woman’ is not convin... more The interpretation of the buried person in Bj 581 as ‘a high-ranking warrior woman’ is not convincing and the image presented by the ten co-authors of the conclusions of older research is misleading.
This is an English translation of the original Swedish text: ”Död amazon på Birka? En debatt”: https://www.academia.edu/40447888/Död_amazon_på_Birka_En_debatt
The interpretation of the buried person in Bj 581 as ‘a high-ranking warrior woman’ is not convin... more The interpretation of the buried person in Bj 581 as ‘a high-ranking warrior woman’ is not convincing and the image presented by the ten co-authors of the conclusions of older research is misleading.
In Swedish. English translation available: ”Some comments on the interpretation of Birka grave Bj 581”.
https://www.academia.edu/43793247/Some_comments_on_the_interpretation_of_Birka_grave_Bj_581
Sammanfattning av presentation av forskningsprojekt om Fornsigtuna.
Föredrag i Kungsängen (Upplan... more Sammanfattning av presentation av forskningsprojekt om Fornsigtuna. Föredrag i Kungsängen (Upplands-Bro) 11 april och Sigtuna 24 september 2019.
A short companion to the Catalogue of Stolpe’s excavations published in 2018 (ISBN 978-91-506-271... more A short companion to the Catalogue of Stolpe’s excavations published in 2018 (ISBN 978-91-506-2715-2). Web: www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1254146/FULLTEXT01.pdf
By Rune Edberg and Anders Söderberg //
Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yi... more By Rune Edberg and Anders Söderberg //
Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of these, 15 are of a type modelled on Old Rus’ war axes. In present-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland miniature axes like these have been found both in graves and in other archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers.
The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles.
The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical.
Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved.
Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
About the Runic stone Gs 1 from Österfärnebo parish, Gästrikland province.
Erected by the widow ... more About the Runic stone Gs 1 from Österfärnebo parish, Gästrikland province. Erected by the widow Snölög for her deceased husband Vilev, carved by Önjut. 1070–1100 AD. Snölög is seen as belonging to a leading family, being Christian since one or two generations. A popular text. In Swedish.
Ett bidrag till Olle Heimers arkeologiska projekt med arbetsnamnet ”Medeltida strandtomter i Sigt... more Ett bidrag till Olle Heimers arkeologiska projekt med arbetsnamnet ”Medeltida strandtomter i Sigtuna”.
Uploads
Papers by Rune Edberg
• A story of the parish Österfärnebo (Gästrikland province) during a thousand years.
https://www.academia.edu/76927385/Spelföremål_från_Sigtuna
After his master Olav Tryggvason’s demise at the Battle of Svolder (c.1000 A.D.) Sigurd was summoned to the Swedish court of king Olof Eriksson (later known as ‘Olof Skötkonung’). According to his saga, Sigurd then baptised king Olof and many other Swedes. However, after a few years some had evidently reverted to their pagan sacrifices. At a Thing held in Sigtuna (in 1003 or 1004 A.D., following the chronology maintained in the saga) Bishop Sigurd sternly and solemnly lectured all apostates to repent and return to the Church.
archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers. The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles. The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical. Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved.
Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for Young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. The number of miniature axes in Sigtuna now stands at 16. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
• A story of the parish Österfärnebo (Gästrikland province) during a thousand years.
https://www.academia.edu/76927385/Spelföremål_från_Sigtuna
After his master Olav Tryggvason’s demise at the Battle of Svolder (c.1000 A.D.) Sigurd was summoned to the Swedish court of king Olof Eriksson (later known as ‘Olof Skötkonung’). According to his saga, Sigurd then baptised king Olof and many other Swedes. However, after a few years some had evidently reverted to their pagan sacrifices. At a Thing held in Sigtuna (in 1003 or 1004 A.D., following the chronology maintained in the saga) Bishop Sigurd sternly and solemnly lectured all apostates to repent and return to the Church.
archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers. The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles. The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical. Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved.
Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for Young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
NB. In 2018 the author (together with Anders Söderberg) published a new study, with an illustrated catalogue, on this subject. The number of miniature axes in Sigtuna now stands at 16. Situne Dei 2018, pp. 34–59. https://www.academia.edu/37724938/
Arbetet baserades på mycket omfattande studier. Det behandlar bakgrunden till bygget av och färden med Ormen Friske, förberedelserna, själva resan, omständigheterna vid och orsaken till haveriet, flygbombningens roll, de svenska och tyska myndigheternas agerande, identifieringen av de omkomna och hur minnet av tragedin lever i berättelser och bevarade föremål.
Använd denna länk till en intervju med Rune Edberg i Svt i april 2005.
https://youtu.be/5o4MHAxcU7w
An inquiry by a German official, supported by eyewitness accounts, showed that the ship had been caught in bad weather. The crew steered for shelter at Helgoland, but at that moment U.S. aircraft commenced a high-altitude practice bombing run, targeting the evacuated island, thus apparently preventing the ship from reaching it. Swedish officials suppressed the role that the bombing may have had in the disaster and re-jected the conclusions of the German inquiry. Sweden also declined proposals for an inspection of the wreck by experts, and none was made. Nor was a message in a bottle, testifying to the bombing, examined. The disaster was instead blamed on the ship’s alleged deficiencies and the crew’s inexperience.
During the Cold War, the government of non-allied Sweden cooperated closely in military and intelligence matters with the U.S. and Britain. The reason for the cover-up was to avoid annoying these powers.
Most of the ship’s wreckage was cleared away. But a small number of parts and artifacts were safeguarded, some of which still survive in museums, archives and private homes. A register of all known
remains, both discarded and still existing, has been compiled. They are discussed in terms of the varying meaning attributed to them by the different authorities and people involved. Also, the remaining artifacts have their sentimental value thanks to their accompanying narratives. Sources also include documents in public archives and private files, press and amateur photos, newspaper reports as well as personal communication with elderly people who were once involved with the construction of the ship or related to its crewmen.
See also www.majken.tk/ormenfriske/
See also www.majken.tk/ormenfriske/ and www.majken.tk/aifur/
Written by Rune Edberg as comments in discussions after the 2004 publication of his book about the Ormen Friske tragedy (“Vikingaskeppet Ormen Friskes undergång”).
The report is written in Swedish.
(I skriften antas isläggar indikera vinterfiske. Förf. har i senare forskning speciellt behandlat isläggar och då omprövat denna idé.)
Hela arbetet finns på DiVA:
https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:193092/FULLTEXT01.pdf
--
See also www.majken.tk/aifur/
Del 2: Studier och äldre uppgifter.
Red. för hela utgåvan: Anne-Sofie Gräslund, Jan Peder Lamm, Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson och Rune Edberg.
Finns digitalt på DiVA: urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-362674 och urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-362675
---
The artifacts from the digs by Hjalmar Stolpe in Birka’s Black Earth in the 19th century.
In Swedish; an English companion available:
https://www.academia.edu/37750419/Artefacts_from_Birka_s_Black_Earth_an_English_companion_to_the_Swedish_text
This is an English translation of the original Swedish text: ”Död amazon på Birka? En debatt”: https://www.academia.edu/40447888/Död_amazon_på_Birka_En_debatt
In Swedish. English translation available: ”Some comments on the interpretation of Birka grave Bj 581”.
https://www.academia.edu/43793247/Some_comments_on_the_interpretation_of_Birka_grave_Bj_581
Föredrag i Kungsängen (Upplands-Bro) 11 april och Sigtuna 24 september 2019.
---
Aun 49: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1254153/FULLTEXT01.pdf
Between 1967 and 2006, excavations in central Sigtuna yielded 16 miniature copper-alloy axes. Of these, 15 are of a type modelled on Old Rus’ war axes. In present-day Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland miniature axes like these have been found both in graves and in other archaeological contexts. However, there is no single site with more finds of miniature axes than Sigtuna. None of the Sigtuna axes come from graves; they are all from occupational layers.
The axes measure c. 35–45 mm. They have sockets to be fitted with handles, which makes an interpretation as amulets or insignia less probable. In Sigtuna, the remains of wooden handles were preserved in two axes and it is suggested that all once had handles.
The Russian scholar N. A. Makarov has identified two main groups of miniature axes based on blade type. Nine of Sigtuna’s axes are of Makarov’s type 1, and two of his type 2. The four remaining axes might belong to either group, but cannot be further interpreted as their blades are missing. The sixteenth axe included in the study is atypical.
Of the fifteen Sigtuna axes of Rus’ type, seven belong in contexts with good stratigraphical dating, all within the interval AD 1050–1200. A dating to 1000–1050 may be possible for some of the remaining axes, but cannot be proved.
Originally, the miniature axe was probably associated with the warrior ideal, nurtured by the armed followers of the Rus’ princes. When exported (and bought as gifts for young boys?), it is suggested that they quite soon lost their inherent meaning. In Sigtuna, not only broken and fragmentary miniature axes, but also several in good condition were apparently quite carelessly discarded.
Andra reviderade upplagan 2001
Tredje reviderade upplagan 2010
Erected by the widow Snölög for her deceased husband Vilev, carved by Önjut. 1070–1100 AD. Snölög is seen as belonging to a leading family, being Christian since one or two generations. A popular text. In Swedish.