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Gotland's dramatic past
TOPICS OF INTEREST
Gotland’s dramatic past
When did the first people actually come to Gotland and why have we found so much silver treasure here? Why is it that saffron pancake is so popular here? How long have people been travelling over the Baltic? We asked Lars Kruthof, programme responsible teacher at Gotlands Museum, to help us answer these questions.
When the Ice Age drew its last breath almost 10,000 years ago, people began to make their way north. Even to Gotland, as seen by skeletal and habitation remains.
“During the Stone Age, people were mostly gatherers, seal hunters and fishermen, but eventually, trade grew in importance. Our location in the middle of the Baltic made us an ideal hub for trade. Here, people could restock their stores and exchange goods. Travel was important even then,” Lars Kruthof explains.
Incredibly wealthy travellers
The many ship settings, cairns and grave sites in Gotland tell the story of multi-faceted Bronze and Iron Age communities. Later, during the Viking and Middle Ages, Gotland became one of wealthiest areas in Europe. Gutnian trade farmers took long journeys for trade between the western and eastern parts of Europe and brought back silver and gold treasure. Still to this day, impressive Viking and Middle Age treasures can be found.
“If you happen to encounter an old coin or treasure, leave it be and immediately contact The County Administrative Board,” Kruthof encourages.
When the Vikings became Middle Agers
“It’s difficult to draw a clear line between the Viking Ages and the Middle Ages. Today, we use the delineation as a means of categorisation. Sure, you can say that the progress of Christianity is central, but the people living back then didn’t know they came from a particular Age. Culturally, there are items such as typical Viking jewellery that made it into the 12th century. In simplistic terms, houses were built of timber in the Viking Age and of stone in the Middle Ages.”
Hanseatic cities and hot ports
Until the end of the 14th century, there was a heavily trafficked harbour where Almedalen is today. There were a number of substantial harbours along the Gotland coast which were vital hubs then, just as they are now.
During the Middle Ages, Visby was an important Hanseatic city. The Hanseatic League was a confederation of cities that traded successfully in the North Sea and the Baltic from the mid-1100s to the mid-1600s. It was
during the 15th century that the Hanseatic League was at its peak.
“Visby, with its strategic location, was considered a big city during the Middle Ages. Not only was the city inhabited by Germans or the residents of Visby, but there were also Novgorod Russians, people from the Baltic area and many others. It was a highly multi-cultural city, flourishing from trade,” says Kruthof. Are there underground passages in Visby? “No, of that I’m certain.”
Why was the city wall constructed? “Originally, the wall was probably built as a means to collect tolls and taxes from Gotland residents outside Visby to control trade in the city. Later, it was reinforced to become more of a defence fortification.” How is it that we enjoy saffron pancakes? “This is a brilliant example of how Gotland has been open to influence. Our most important dessert contains a spice that is imported from a great distance away. It is otherwise rather typical of the Middle Ages, rather pudding-like, flavoured with an exclusive spice.” Why is so much silver treasure found on the island? “Trade provided a good income – unfortunately, partly through the slave trade to the east. The silver was brought here and buried, primarily during the Viking Age. It's likely that it was done for religious and cultural reasons.”
Are the Gutes the people who lived in the countryside and not Visby? “No, Gute is simply an old word for resident of Gotland.” Why are there so many churches on Gotland? “Laws were governed by Christianity. The church was the natural epicentre of the village. Because Gotland enjoyed an extremely wealthy period during the Middle Ages, a lot of stately churches were built. Paradoxically, Gotland went through a time of extreme poverty after the Middle Ages, but there was no need or opportunity to demolish or rebuild the churches as there was in other places. The churches were allowed to remain. Much later, some were renovated, but others perished and became the ruins that we find so beautiful today.” When did Gotland become Swedish? “Sometime during the late Viking Age/early Middle Ages, there were negotiations to make Gotland part of Sweden. Danish king Valdemar invaded the island in 1361 after which, Gotland belonged to Denmark almost consecutively until 1645. It was then, during the peace of Brömsebro, that we became Swedes. Admittedly, the Russians were here and claimed the island for a few months in the beginning of the 19th century, but they were soon gone. A sense of national pride did not come until much later. Even now, a person’s greatest pride may be in belonging to their village. A Lärbro resident first, a Gotland resident second, and a Swede third.”
What is the Visborg fortress? “It was most likely erected by the Teutonic Order, present between 1398 and 1407. They started to construct a fortress for defence, but then sold Gotland to Erik av Pommern. He continued to expand the fortress, which was later where the county governors would land when not ravaging. Today, there is a small model of Visborg in its original location in Visby, just above the current harbour.”
Did people travel to Gotland for pleasure during the Middle Ages? “People probably made very few trips for pleasure during the Middle Ages. However, travel for trade was not unusual. Wealthier people could travel for studies. Anyone who committed a crime or did anything else disreputable could go on a pilgrimage as a form of penance.” To learn more about Gotland’s exciting history, visit Gotlands Museum Fornsalen or book a guided tour.
