Power made Visual in Viking-Age Denmark - Means and messages

The development of territory and political structures in Viking-Age Denmark has long been a focus of research and debate. With recent discoveries, the geo-political landscape has become increasingly clear, particularly for the tenth century. The archaeological evidence and the testimonies of chronicles and other written sources from this period provide a detailed insight into the means of displaying power, influence, and wealth available to the royal family and to other members of the upper echelons of society. The visual manifestations range from impressive architecture, burials and monumental building works to the evidence of, for example, precious metal jewellery and hoards, which attest to communication between families and the establishment of relationships, often across considerable distances.