The Middle Ages on Gotland

Beliefs and Thoughts During the Middle Ages

This page aims to provide a deeper understanding of the Middle Ages, showing that much of this era can still be seen today. There's more to discover than you might think.

In Sweden, the Middle Ages are defined as the period between the Viking Age and the Early Vasa Era, from 1050 to 1520 AD, ending with the Reformation. (In Europe, the Middle Ages began after the fall of the Roman Empire and lasted until the Renaissance.) In a way, the Middle Ages in the Nordic region were deeply tied to the influence of Christianity.

However, since Gotland and parts of southern Sweden were under Danish control during this time, the Reformation on Gotland began in 1513, when Christian II became king. He proposed a series of church reforms in 1521-22. At this time, Danish nobleman Søren Norby served as Gotland's governor.

The Cog: A Medieval Evolution of Viking Ships

Gotland's role in the Middle Ages was a continuation of its earlier maritime traditions, with the cog being a medieval advancement of the Viking ship, enabling greater trade and connectivity.

The Cog: A Medieval Evolution of Viking Ships

Gotland's role in the Middle Ages was a continuation of its earlier maritime traditions, with the cog being a medieval advancement of the Viking ship, enabling greater trade and connectivity.

Medieval Gotland

Foundational ideas and values from this era are still visible today, and there are many places where you can explore them.

A key question is why the Middle Ages came about as we know them. You can learn more about this and the Christianization of the region in related articles. The Gutar, a major trading power of the time, played a pivotal role, as explored in An Outstanding Phenomenon in European Christendom.

Gotland’s medieval churches are the island’s most significant cultural heritage, reflecting the deep religious and societal values of the time.

Worldview and View of Humanity

The medieval mindset was distinct from ours today. Ideas about space and time were much more limited. The known world was smaller, and the end of time was seen as inevitable, as symbolized in certain medieval tombstones. Christianity and the development of society gradually introduced new concepts of human dignity. Religion, however, remained a personal choice, and free will was a core belief. Some argue that the Middle Ages introduced this idea more clearly.

Nevertheless, the era wasn’t solely about rights. People were expected to help their neighbors, and purgatory awaited everyone to account for their deeds. Importantly, it wasn’t faith but actions that mattered. There were, however, practical ways people reconciled their conscience, such as the story of The Dragon in Gerum.

The medieval view of one’s fellow humans was more reasonable than we might assume today, as seen in The Wheel of Fortune. Views on women were also better than one might expect, with legal structures providing support, as explored in the section on the burden of proof for sexual crimes.

Society

During the Middle Ages, over 95% of the population lived in rural areas, which is why the era is often considered an agrarian society. However, Gotland’s history during this time revolves around much more than just the Hanseatic League, Visby, and the famous city wall, despite the island sometimes being referred to as a "peasant republic." There is much more to consider beyond the Baltic’s largest medieval city. It’s important to remember that it was this agrarian society that built it all, as highlighted in The Growth of Visby.

The Democratic Republic

Gotland during the Middle Ages was a place where legal rights and responsibilities were taken seriously. The island's governance and care for its people, including its support for the poor, reflect its republican ideals. Visby, though significant, wasn't the only contender for the title of Gotland’s main town, as explored in The Vikings' Västergarn.

War and Conflict

Though Gotland’s history often focuses on trade and prosperity, war and hardship were also part of the medieval landscape. Some key conflicts include:

• Artlenburg Privilege (1161) – A treaty establishing perpetual peace with Germany
• The Crusaders (1199) – The Christianization of the Baltic States
• Civil War (1288) – A struggle between the rural areas and the town, with neither side victorious
• Battle of Röcklinge Hill (1313) – A conflict in which the Swedish forces were defeated
• 1361 – The Danish invasion, resulting in mass graves on Solens berg
• Visby in Flames (1362) – Likely burned by the Republic of Gotland
• Fetail Brothers and the Teutonic Order (1389)
• War with the Kalmar Union (1403-1404) – Queen Margaret I's forces were defeated
• Siege of Erik of Pomerania (1436)
• Diplomatic Resolution (1446) – Conflict resolved through negotiation
• 1523 – A failed Danish aristocratic campaign
• 1524 – Søren Norby defeats the peasant king, leading to a Danish victory over Gustav Vasa

While the Gotlanders of 1361 have often been described as poorly trained and ill-equipped to face the better-prepared Danish-German army, a broader look at the conflicts listed above suggests a more complex reality. It’s worth questioning this narrative, especially when considering the island's extensive trading success and the defense capabilities required to maintain it.