First Swedish City was Metropolis of Viking-Era Immigrants

Researchers in Sweden have made an important discovery about one of the first cities in Sweden. They have conducted tests on a number of skeletons in Sigtuna and have found that many were Viking era immigrants from all over Europe. The researchers’ conclusion are astonishing because they are not only revealing much about the nature of urban life in the Viking era but also that the population was probably more diverse than previously believed.

The History of Sigtuna

Sigtuna, near Lake Mälaren, was one of the earliest cities in Scandinavia and it was founded about 980 AD by King Olof Skötkonung or King Eric the Victorious. It was a royal center and became a very important trading hub. It is regarded as Sweden’s first capital. Sigtuna was also an important ecclesiastical center. According to The Local.ie,  it ‘soon grew into a major settlement of around 10,000 people, roughly the same population as Anglo-Saxon London’. The city went into decline after it was sacked by unknown raiders in the 12th century, but today it is a picturesque town, popular with visitors.

Coin minted for King Olof in Sigtuna. (Public Domain)