The ruins of ancient Helgö were barely noticeable until excavations of the settlement were carried out for first time in the 1950's and 60's.

Evidence of the importance of trade to the Svear can be seen in the amount of foreign goods found in the archaeological investigations and in accounts and legal documents recorded by those merchants that had contact with the Svear.
Items found at Helgö which give evidence to the extent of Svealand trade were a small Buddha statue from north India and a christening spoon from Egypt, both dating from 6th century.
In addition, twenty six tiny pictures in delicate metalwork were also discovered at Helgö at what is believed to be a sacred site. Scenes depicted on them are usually of a man and woman facing one another, sometimes embracing and sometimes separated by a leafy branch, and the generally accepted explanation is that they represent the Vanir fertility deities, who could bring blessing to the land, to flocks and herds and to human families.

The manufacture of jewellery and metalworking at Helgö and valuable grave goods found with those buried at Vendel and similar cemeteries in the area probably owed their wealth partly to their control of the routes from Lake Mälaren where iron and metal was worked in such places as Helgö.

Top

Credits

Söderberg., B. A. Blowing new life in old technology - Viking Age Metal-casting. Retrieved from Viking Age Metal-casting.
The History of Uppland. (n.d.).Stockholm Tourist Information.
Davidson Hilda S. The Lost Beliefs of Northern Europe.
Helgö. Contemporary Center of Baltic trade.
Noodén, L. The Expeditions of the Svear. The Causes and Effects that the Expeditions and Viking Culture Had on Each Other.

Top

Catharina Grafeldr

The Articles of Helgö:

---

Sort by: Featured Date | Date | Title

Write an article for Helgö...

The Discussions of Helgö:

---

General Social Discussions

Welcome to Helgö