Viking Homes: Viking Towns

What defines a town?

A distinctive topographical site with boundaries, a communication network, population density, trade & manufacturing, religion, social hierarchy, organization, and economy

How does a town differ from a village?

Towns sustain themselves through trade, production, & manufacturing without relying primarily on agriculture

What is Ribe in Denmark?

The earliest known Viking town, established in the 10th century as a seasonal site that become more permanent, with evidence of manufacturing and trade

What evidence suggests Ribe was a manufacturing site?

Archeological finds of bead making and other artificats

How did Ribe’s settlement shift over time?

It moved across the river starting around 1000 AD

What was Sigtuna?

A high-status Viking town in Sweden, rebuilt multiple times between the 10th-13th centuries, & a religious and royal site

What evidence indicates Sigtuna’s high status?

Coin issuance by King Olaf, goldsmithing, metalworking, & the construction of seven churches

What is Birka?

Founded in the mid-8th century, it is Sweden’s largest Viking town. It lasted over 200 years with a population of about 900 at its peak - with rich trade goods.

What do the graves at Birka reveal?

The town was wealthy during the 9th-10th centuries and had a diverse population including foreigners.

The presence of burials for foreigners showed that it become a big, permanent hub for many

What goods were traded in Birka?

Furs, metal, jewelry, skins, farm produce

What is Hedeby?

An important Viking trading town in Denmark, known from written records from 804 and archeological excavations

What significant event involving Hedeby is recorded in 804?

Danish king Godfrid destroyed Rerrick’s trading station & moved merchants to Hedeby

What archaeological findings are associated with Hedeby?

Over 340,000 objects including wood from 811, smithing tools, jewelry, beads, ship repair tools, & evidence of coin minting

What was the estimated population of Hedeby?

About 15,000 people

What does Hedeby’s burial sites tell us about social structures?

They show differences in social status & wealth, though no royal homes have been found

What is Kaupang?

A trading place located between Norway and Sweden, likely a seasonal market with limited archeological remains

What archaeological evidence has been found at Kaupang?

Six buildings, metal slag, waste from glass bead making, and metal remnants

Was Kaupang a permanent settlement?

No, it appears to have been a seasonal trading site with no evidence of full-time habitation