The Vendel Period on Gotland
Is Vendel Period an appropriate term for this time in Gotland's history? Let's examine the facts and ponder this question, referencing an article by Richard Steffen in Boken om Gotland.
The Vendel Period, referred to as the Merovingian Period in Europe, spans from around 550 CE to 800 CE in Sweden. This period of the Late Iron Age follows the Migration Period and precedes the Viking Age. It also marks the transition from the Early to Late Iron Age.
Colonization Period
We've taken the liberty of renaming the Vendel Period to the Colonization Period. This is because Gotland’s colonies, in my view, provide a much more significant backdrop for the Viking Age than the archaeological focus on the 550–600 CE period as just another artifact-based classification. The Vendel Period is named after elaborate graves discovered in Vendel, Uppland. However, Gotland has equally impressive graves, along with picture stones, colonies, and much more—yet these are often overlooked. After all, Gotland has historically been considered somewhat separate from mainland Sweden, at least in terms of infrastructure.
Renaming the period may seem patriotic, but given that the term Vendel Period fails to accurately describe Gotland's unique history, I feel justified in making the change. This critique extends to other regions of Sweden as well.
Assertions from 1945’s Boken om Gotland
In 1945, following Gotland’s reunification with Sweden after the Treaty of Brömsebro (1645), a commemorative book was published titled Boken om Gotland (Centraltryckeriet, Esselte, Stockholm 1945). It spans two volumes and nearly 1,000 pages. In a chapter called "Gotland’s Division and Organization," cultural historian Richard Steffen (later awarded a professorship) discusses Gotland’s early history.
Steffen’s Statements
Steffen begins his chapter with:
"It is indisputable that the historic Gotland, as it begins to emerge from the shadow of Viking Age sagas, is a creation of the Migration Period."
This statement is, of course, obvious, as every time period is the result of its preceding era. However, Steffen’s claim that Vendel-era Gotland was heavily influenced by external forces raises eyebrows. He continues:
"By the late 6th century CE, Gotland had been conquered or at least invaded by the Svear, specifically the people of Uppland, and this can no longer be doubted."
Steffen’s claim that a cultural similarity existed between Gotland and Uppland during the Vendel Period stems from the discovery of similar artifacts in both regions. However, it’s only in the Viking Age that researchers begin drawing conclusions about Gotland’s societal organization, which is why Steffen, who asserts that Gotland’s condition resulted from mainland influence, is convinced that Uppland had conquered the island.
In two sentences, Steffen credits the Svear from Uppland for both Gotland’s Vendel and Viking Ages, suggesting they were responsible for half of Sweden’s Viking Age finds on Gotland—including 80% of the Viking-era silver. While this book was written more than 50 years ago (in 1945), Steffen’s conclusions are worth questioning.
Reversing the Narrative
Using the same reasoning, one could argue the opposite: that Gotlanders invaded or influenced Uppland. Consider Steffen’s assertion that invaders would naturally form an upper class, organizing the land and leaving behind new customs, weapons, and traditions. If we reverse his claim, one might suggest that Gotlanders left such a mark on Uppland.
Vendel Period Origins on Gotland
- The Vendel Period started earlier on Gotland
It is now known that the artifacts and features typical of the Vendel Period appeared on Gotland at least 50 years earlier than in Uppland. This makes it difficult to argue that any cultural shift was introduced from Uppland to Gotland at this time—if anything, it could be the other way around. - Picture Stones
The Vendel-era picture stones on Gotland have no equivalent in Uppland. These unique carvings point to a long-established maritime culture on Gotland, further supporting the idea that Gotland was not a passive recipient of mainland influence.
Agneta Lundström, in Arkeologi på Gotland (Visby, 1979), emphasizes Gotland's central role in Baltic Sea trade:
"Gotland’s role in this Baltic trade is clear—just as it was earlier and later, the island must have played a crucial part as both a provider and receiver. The Vendel-era picture stones, with their fully-manned ships and billowing sails, document this relationship well."
- Colonies
The Gotlandic colonies from the Vendel Period suggest that Gotlanders were more numerous and enterprising than previously believed. Excavations in the Baltics, such as those in Latvia, have revealed both Gotlandic and Swedish burial sites, showcasing a shared Scandinavian presence in the region. Yet, Gotland’s colonies are of particular note due to their established settlements. - Archaeological Evidence
Archaeologists have found no traces of any power shift on Gotland during the Vendel Period. There is no evidence of an invading upper class, aside from elite burials, and Gotland’s organization remained largely unchanged until the medieval period.
Conclusion
Gotland was not conquered by the people of Uppland during the Vendel Period. Instead, Gotland’s trade, organization, and cultural development were homegrown, driven by its unique role in Baltic trade long before the Viking Age. In fact, 80% of the Roman silver coins from the centuries around the birth of Christ found in Sweden have been unearthed on Gotland. This indicates that the island had long been engaged in extensive trade with peoples around the Baltic Sea—even before the Vendel Period began.