Temaomtale ARK121

The Middle Ages and the Early Modern era were a dynamic period in Europe. In Scandinavia, the medieval period started as the Viking Aged ended in the early 11th century. This transition was characterised by the establishment of Christianity and new power structures – Scandinavian kingdoms – based on feudalism. During the Middle Ages, the Nordic countries experienced rapid urbanisation and established intensive cultural and trade contacts with other regions of Europe. In the 16th century, the Lutheran Reformation shook the role of the Church in society and peoples beliefs, while the emergence of national states changed political and social order. This was also a period of European expansion across the globe and the development of modern capitalism.

This course provides an overview of the Middle Ages and Early mMdern period in Scandinavia and beyond. This is done through a series of themes, which include identity, death and burial, mobility, archaeology of senses, gender, and biliteracy in material culture. In addition, the course discusses how the availability of written sources changes the role of archaeology. What is specific about medieval archaeology in contrast to prehistoric archaeology? What are the central research questions, ideas, and goals of this exciting field of archaeological research?