Viking’s Most Powerful City Unearthed in Northern Germany
Archaeological Discovery of Sliasthorp
Archaeologists working in northern Germany have made a groundbreaking discovery: the remains of Sliasthorp, one of the most important cities in Viking history. This discovery is shedding new light on Viking society and its complex social structure.
Sliasthorp was once home to Scandinavian kings and served as a military power center near the border of the early Danish kingdom. According to the Royal Frankish Annals, Viking king Godfred transformed the small settlement into a key strategic location in the early 9th century.
Changing Perspectives on Viking Society
The discovery of Sliasthorp challenges traditional views of Viking society. Previously, historians believed that Vikings lived in relatively egalitarian communities. However, the evidence from Sliasthorp suggests a stark class division.
Sliasthorp, which was about the size of 14 football pitches, was significantly smaller than the nearby settlement of Hedeby, which spanned over 50 football pitches. This difference in size indicates that Sliasthorp was primarily a military and administrative center, while Hedeby served as a commercial hub.
Archaeologist Martin Dobat explains that in the Viking Age, people lived in separate settlements based on their social status. Craftsmen and merchants resided in Hedeby, while the elite, including religious leaders and military commanders, lived in Sliasthorp.
Insights into Early Viking Cities
The excavation of Sliasthorp has provided valuable insights into the anatomy of early Viking cities. Unlike medieval and modern cities, Viking cities were characterized by a clear separation between the elite and the rest of the population.
Sliasthorp and Hedeby: A Tale of Two Cities
Sliasthorp and Hedeby, located just five kilometers apart, represent two distinct aspects of Viking society. Sliasthorp was a military and political center, while Hedeby was a bustling commercial hub. This division of labor and social status reflects the complex and hierarchical nature of Viking society.
Conclusion
The discovery of Sliasthorp has revolutionized our understanding of Viking society. It reveals a society with a rigid class structure and a clear separation between the elite and the common people. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about Viking egalitarianism and provides a more nuanced picture of this fascinating historical period.