Riksantikvarieämbetet

Under the heading Urban Archaeology in Central Sweden: present position, problems, and possibilities, this report examines the material collected in the course of the project work in the Lake Mälaren valley. We have made a survey to show the present position of archaeology. The possibilities of the existing material have been discussed. It has been used to demonstrate to what extent it can be instrumental in solving certain defined problems. There are gaps in the material, sometimes of a seriously hampering kind, but in many instances some progress should be possible. Some places where a holistic approach can be applied stand out as particularly important, but in most of the places discussed it is at all events possible to obtain a material which can answer at least certain aspects of important questions.

To a large extent the work has been based on the assumption that it is essential to start from data elucidating chronology, topography, and structure. The character of the material is such that the topographical conditions have come to occupy a particularly prominent position. As a result it is important to emphasize that in our opinion, as has already been pointed out in the programme of the project, this should not be regarded as a goal in itself. Knowledge of the topographical conditions must also serve as a means to progress further. It becomes particularly important in periods which lack other kinds of more easily accessible material. We have maintained this opinion particularly on one point, namely the transformation which we think can be observed in many of the investigated towns in the early 13th century (Ch. 7). By bringing the finds into the discussion and making a thorough analysis, this mode of work can be developed. Particularly as regards structural problems it must be possible to cover more ground. In an analysis of this kind the elements of change become essential. If the Middle Ages are considered as a period of great changes as regards administrative, social, and economic conditions, an analysis of the archaeological material 69 concerned with what is immediately visible would contribute towards a more detailed knowledge about these general processes. Consequently we shall be forced to fit the town into a regional structure in quite a different way.

Such an approach makes great demands on the treatment of the material. It compels us to decide how far the archaeological material can be used. Which are the possibilities of the urban archaeological material when it comes to elucidating conditions outside the town as well? Recent discussions have pointed to the paleobotanical material as particularly important in this context. But it should be possible to make use of studies concerning for instance changes of the town structure. The churches and their relation to the surrounding countryside will be of great importance. The collected objects can throw light on the supply of raw materials, contacts, manufacturing organization etc. It is, however, hard to survey all the possibilities at present. It is essential that a comprehensive discussion is kept going to give the necessary framework for keeping the work together and rendering syntheses possible.

Undoubtedly the Lake Mälaren valley is very interesting in this respect. The physical geography of the region is comparatively uniform. It contains examples of the Viking Age as well as Early, High, and Late Medieval urbanization. During the whole period a high degree of economic expansion coupled with a developed social differentiation seems to have taken place. The central administration was increased on a large scale in the High Middle Ages. What does this expansive transformation signify? Which forms did it take? Which are the inherent consequences for the continued development? These are general historical questions. An important task for archaeology is to create the possibilities to deal with them.