Kaupang
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- For another Viking Age site, see Kaupanger.
Kaupang is the name of a town that existed in the Viking Age, from about 800 until it was abandoned for unknown reasons in the early 10th Century. It was situated in Vestfold county in Norway.
Most archaeologists believe it was the first urban settlement of some significance in Norway. Excavations and studies have found that Kaupang was a handcraft and commercial center, with around 1,000 inhabitants. Commodities traded included iron, soapstone, and perhaps fish.[1]
Kaupang is mentioned under the name of Skiringssal (or Sciringesheal) in Ohthere from Hålogaland's tales. Ohthere visited Kaupang in the 9th century, and said that it served as a market.[1]
In the summer of 2000, the University of Oslo began an extensive new excavation programme at Kaupang.
[edit] References
[edit] Other references
- Helle, K. et al., Norsk Byhistorie, Pax forlag, Oslo 2006, ISBN 978-82-530-2882-8.
[edit] External links
| Trade emporia of the Viking Age |
 |
|---|---|
| Dorestad • Kaupang • Lindholm • Hedeby • Ribe • Birka • Sigtuna • Köpingsvik Reric • Arkona • Menzlin • Ralswiek • Wolin • Truso • Kaup • Grobin Vanaja • Aldeigja • Alaborg • Hólmgard • Gnezdovo • Sarskoe • Timerevo |
 |
This article relating to archaeology in Europe is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
 |
This Vestfold location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
