OPEN ACCESS, NODAL POINTS, AND CENTRAL PLACES Maritime communication and locational principles for coastal sites in south Scandinavia, c. AD 400-1200

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper surveys the archaeology of coastal settlement in south Scandinavia, c. AD 400-1200 from a perspective of communication. The location of important centres of communication and exchange reveal changes of preference, which reflect the shifting nature of social relations. The Late Iron Age port Lundeborg is characterized by safe access for foreigners, gathered for periodic assemblies; the Early Viking Age emporia Ahus is identified as a nodal point at a natural barrier for bulk-traffic; Early Medieval Roskilde, finally, was a central place related to a local hinterland, and collected several central functions under central authority.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)96-107
Number of pages12
JournalEesti Arheoloogia Ajakiri: Journal of Estonian Archaeology
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Cite this