TY - JOUR
T1 - Dominating the Landscape – the emblematic Setting of Borgring and the Viking Age Ring Fortresses of Denmark
AU - Ulriksen, Jens
AU - Kildetoft Schultz, Maja
AU - Mortensen, Morten Fischer
PY - 2020/6/30
Y1 - 2020/6/30
N2 - This study explores the underlying reasons behind the construction and topographical location of the Viking Age ring fortress, Borgring near Køge, and the impact it had on the society on a regional scale. A key question is whether this manifestation of power is also expressing a disruption of the existing power structure in the region. The evidence from Borgring will be compared to the other four ring fortresses as well as other fortifications and large structures of the Viking Age in Denmark. In the end we will propose a new theory explaining that the Viking Age ring fortresses along with other monumental structures dated to the reign of King Harald Bluetooth (ca. AD 958-AD 986/987) represent a symbolic manifestation of a new order of society instigated by the conversion of the King in AD 963. More than being military strongholds the shape, the size and the positioning of the structures in the landscape were premeditated to impress both locals and travellers following important roads throughout the realm and to remind them of the King´s presence and his power based on a new ideology.
AB - This study explores the underlying reasons behind the construction and topographical location of the Viking Age ring fortress, Borgring near Køge, and the impact it had on the society on a regional scale. A key question is whether this manifestation of power is also expressing a disruption of the existing power structure in the region. The evidence from Borgring will be compared to the other four ring fortresses as well as other fortifications and large structures of the Viking Age in Denmark. In the end we will propose a new theory explaining that the Viking Age ring fortresses along with other monumental structures dated to the reign of King Harald Bluetooth (ca. AD 958-AD 986/987) represent a symbolic manifestation of a new order of society instigated by the conversion of the King in AD 963. More than being military strongholds the shape, the size and the positioning of the structures in the landscape were premeditated to impress both locals and travellers following important roads throughout the realm and to remind them of the King´s presence and his power based on a new ideology.
U2 - 10.7146/dja.v9i0.116110
DO - 10.7146/dja.v9i0.116110
M3 - Journal article
VL - 9
SP - 1
EP - 22
JO - Danish Journal of Archaeology
JF - Danish Journal of Archaeology
SN - 2166-2282
ER -