The elite of Scandinavia and their impact on urban settlement in the Viking age

Abstract

This work investigates large-scale change evident in the archaeology of selected towns in Denmark, Norway, Ireland and England founded by Scandinavians between AD 700 and 1160, and connects these changes to their historical context. Towns are defined as fortified, non-agrarian centres of production that were used as mints and bishoprics- these towns are evaluated according to accumulations of criteria. Changes investigated include breaks in settlement continuity, such as moves to and from sites, deliberate foundations, and perceived changes in settlement density; major changes within the settlement character, such as shifts in the types of building prevalent and major street and building realignments; and fortification. A summary of the control of the Scandinavian landscape by the economic elite during the Iron Age is included as background. Chronological and regional comparisons are made.