*This seminar has been cancelled*

There is a need for new research about the seats of power between 1000 and 1300. Investigating the seats of power during this time allows us to gain insights into the region's political, social, and cultural dynamics. It helps us understand the power structures, ruling elites, and the nature of governance in Scandinavia during this period. This research will lighten the transition from the Viking Age to the medieval period. By examining the seats of power, we can explore how the political landscape transformed from decentralised, often clan-based societies to more centralised systems of kingdoms in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Schedule:

13:00-13:15 Rainer Atzbach, Introduction: The transition from Viking Age to Early Middle Ages – a dark age?

13:15-13:45 Thorsten Lemm, Husabyer, as a research question.

13:45-14:15 Johnny Grandjean Gøgsig Jakobsen,
"Theses on the Husaby-place name in Sweden and possible Danish equivalents".

14:15-14:30 Anna Nykvist Thorsson, Husaby close to Skara.

14:30-15:00 Discussion followed by a reception.

About the speakers:

Dr Thorsten Lemm,

Archaeologist. Senior researcher at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology, Schleswig (Germany),

2011 PhD about The Early Medieval Ringforts in Western and Central Holstein at CAU Kiel, published in 2013.

He is the principal investigator in the ongoing project "Indicators for territorial lordship in the North? Multi-disciplinary research on the early kingdom in Scandinavia with a departure point in the "Huseby" settlements. This project is housed at the Centre for Baltic and Scandinavian Archaeology and belongs to its research focus on "Man and Society". Recent publication: The fight for Nordalbingia – Reconstruction and simulation of the Danish-Obodrite attack on the Frankish fortress of Esesfelth in AD 817. 

Dr Johnny Grandjean Gøgsig Jakobsen,

Historical Geographer specialised in toponym research. Associate Professor at the Department of Nordic Studies and Linguistics of the Copenhagen University.

2008: Ph.D. in Medieval History from the University of Southern Denmark

Currently, he is editing the volume about Holbæk County in the series "Danish Toponyms" (Danske stednavne). His main research focus is the Danish history of settlement and topography between 700 and

1700 AD, with a particular interest in the Nordic history of churches and monasteries. Recent publication: The peasants' epithets in Merløse Shire in 1688 specifically focused on the difference between full farmers' and smallholders' rank.

Dr Anna Nykvist Thorsson

Archaeologist. Co-director of the Västsvensk Arkeologi, a private research company specialising in archaeology and cultural history.

2021 Ph.D. When others see. Grave monuments, social practices and actor collectives during the 12th and 13th centuries in Vänerlandskapet (region around Lake Vänern in Southwestern Sweden) at the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Gothenburg. Most recent publication: House and Hall at the shores of Lake Vänern. She is engaged in the research project about Husaby Church and Castle close to Skara in Västergötland.

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