Cultural Diversity in Present-day Scania and Blekinge ca. AD 800–1000

Abstract

The main point expressed in the article is that differences berween different regions in present-day southern Sweden during the Viking Age, primarily of a cultural and social nature, have not hitherto been understood or emphasized enough. Such differences are a main focus of interest when the great historical questions of this period are evaluated. The author argues that it is possible to characterize human collectives by studying cultural traditions reflected in the archaeological material. Such collectives can be a basis for discussions of Viking Age society and historical change. The main inspiration is eariier research by Johan Callmer, which can be made more detailed and theoretically elaborated. Cultural diversity in present-day Scania and Blekinge is discussed, primarily based on differing burial customs and cultural contacts. As a result, four major groups, and several minor ones are discussed briefly.