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An overview of Kaupang's history: periodization, main activities, goods and trade routes, relations with
local chiefs, and the influence of the Danish kingdom

Introduction

History is the weaving of events, actions and developments that define the world we live in today. Every
past event, every century has its own hidden treasures that are meant to be discovered. In this context, the
story of Kaupang becomes very interesting and important. Little known to many, this Old Norse trading
settlement on the coast of the Norwegian Telemark Peninsula played an important role in the development
of trade, culture and interaction between different civilizations in the early Middle Ages.

Kaupang is not just noted for its history; it has witnessed and acted as a unique historical transformation
that has shaped the face of the time. This paper aims to explore the history of Kaupang, its role in the
development of society and culture, and to determine its place in the overall context of world history.

The history of Kaupang, one of the most important Viking trading centers, is an important research object
for the study of the early Middle Ages. Kaupang existed during different historical periods and played a key
role in the trade networks of northern Europe.

"It is located on the coast where the land lies open to the sea, which puts the site in an excellent position
for trade and exchange. Therefore, the town became important and influential during the Viking Age. Due
to the visual grave-mounds surrounding Kaupang, it was known that the area had quite a lot of cemeteries
and grave-mounds. This made the area pretty interesting for archaeologists like Nicolay Nicolaysen (Moen
2010:12-13)."

"Kaupang probably dates back to the eighth century, but had played out its role around the year 900. It
never became a town with a permanent population and was never fortified. It was an international trading
post, presumably with large seasonal markets - the name itself means market-place. It covered an
estimated area of 40,000 m2, of which about 1,400 have been excavated (Roesdahl 1998:126)."

In this study, we will unravel the intricate tangle of Kaupang's history, starting with its ancient roots and
stages of development. We will look at a general overview of Kaupang's history, its periodization, main
activities, commodities and trade routes, as well as the relationship with local chiefs and the influence of
the Danish kingdom on the development of this trade center

Chapter 1: Periodization of Kaupang's history

The history of Kaupang is divided into several main periods:

1.1. Early Vikings (VIII-X centuries AD)

The first mention of Kaupanga dates back to the eighth century A.D. During this period, the city became an
important trading center, serving both the local market and international trade with other parts of Europe,
including Scandinavia, Britain and Eastern Europe. The development of the Kaupanga settlement and its
trade relations were made possible by its favorable geographical location in the Slupnes Bay, as well as its
proximity to the Gautelva River, which facilitated the transportation of goods.
1.2. The Golden Age of Kaupang (IX-X centuries AD)

During the 9th and 10th centuries AD. Kaupang experienced peak development as a trading center. During
this period, the city became an important point of exchange for goods, including metal products, precious
stones, glassware, wood and other resources. Trade routes from Kaupang went to various destinations,
including Western and Eastern Europe. The city was also an important center of cultural exchange and
interaction between Scandinavian and Eastern cultures.

1.3. Influence of the Danish Kingdom (XI-XII centuries AD)

In the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Kaupang felt the influence of Denmark, which included the region in its
royal power. This led to changes in the organization of trade relations and the structure of the city. The
Danish kingdom contributed to the development of Kaupang as an important trading post, but at the same
time changed the political and social situation in the region.

Conclusion to Chapter 1:

Thus, this section has given us a better understanding of the origins and first steps of Kaupang as an
important shopping center.

The first traces of settlement in Kaupang date back to the 8th century, and they testify to the active and
vital way of life of the inhabitants. This was the era when the Scandinavian Vikings were opening up new
horizons and establishing contacts with other civilizations through trade and booty.

Kaupang became a business center where a wide range of goods were exchanged, including wool,
metalwork, glass, and even wine. Maritime activities and shipbuilding were also an important aspect of its
history, helping the Vikings expand their influence to other regions.

Section 2: Main activities and products

2.1. Trade and crafts

Kaupang was famous for its rich trading activities, where merchants exchanged a wide variety of metal
products, glass, gems, leather, silk, wood, weapons, tools, and other goods.
"The scene is a small, beachfront trading community located in the outer reaches of the Oslofjord.(Price
2008:126)". Artisans also played an important role in the development of the city, producing a variety of
goods that met the needs of trade and the local population. Artisans produced metal, ceramic, glass,
textile, and wooden goods.
In the book Passing into Poetry: Viking-Age Mortuary Drama and the Origins of Norse Mythology, the
author talks about the excavation of graves of those times and specifically about the fact that many
different alloy products were found there "imported Insular bowl of bronze that had been scratched with
runes, i muntlauku, 'in the hand basin'. The bowl contained an unidentified object of gilt copper alloy fixed
with iron nails, a copper-alloy ring that might have been used to suspend the bowl, a 'tweezer-like' object"
(Price 2008:129) So this gives us an idea of how developed these crafts were at that time in Kaupping.

2.2. Agriculture

Agriculture was also an important industry in Kaupang. Local farmers grew grains, with oats, barley, and
wheat predominating. In addition, vegetables and fruits were popular. It is also important to mention
animal husbandry, as farmers raised cattle that provided food for the city. Grain and other agricultural
products were important for the trade exchange of imported goods.
So were the raw materials for crafts, including animal skins, wool, and other items for the production of
clothing and textiles.

2.3 Shipbuilding and maritime activities

Kaupang was also famous for its shipbuilding ability. The Vikings created seagoing vessels that were used
for trade and war.
"When the town of Kaupang was established. Ribe would have been the most significant harbor among
Kaupang's well-established connections to the southern North Sea zone (Baug 2018:4)."
"The cargo ships were completely different - tall and wide in relation to their length, with half-decks fore
and aft to allow for a hold amidships. The mast was fixed in the mast step and could not be easily lowered
and raised. Cargo ships were sailing ships. The oar-ports, located above the half-decks, were few and oars
would only have been used in narrow channels and in certain maneuvers. Among the Scandinavian cargo
ships from the Viking Age are the KMstad ship found near the trading center of Kaupang in Vestfold,
Norway," (Roesdahl 1998:89)
This gives an understanding of how important a niche maritime activity was at that time.

Conclusion to Chapter 2
In conclusion, we would like to note that the beginning of Kaupang was connected with its role in the trade
networks of the early Middle Ages. An important factor was its location near waterways that connected
different regions. This provided the settlement with significant advantages in the exchange of goods and
ideas with other civilizations.

In concluding this section, I would like to emphasize that the history of Kaupang is a story of change,
challenges, and opportunities. The settlement, which was once a key point on the map of the Middle Ages,
has gone through its development and faced the challenges of those times, but has left a significant mark
on history and culture. Understanding this period helps us to better understand our heritage and the role of
past events in shaping the modern world.

Section 3: Trade routes

In the previous section, we looked at Kaupeng's shipbuilding and maritime activities in the past. This
became a platform for the development of serious trade relations. "Norway had no international trading
centers that we know of other than Kaupang and no towns in the ninth and tenth centuries. Several places
seem to have had the required factors for an important trading center, for example around Trondheim and
Oslo." (Moen 2010:12-13).

3.1. Baltic and Northern Europe

Kaupang had access to the Baltic and North Seas, making it an important point on the trade routes between
eastern and western Europe. The city traded with other Viking settlements, such as Birka and Gnjozdo, as
well as with its eastern neighbors, including Kievan Rus and Byzantium. "A significant distinction must also
be made between merchant travelers on the river systems and the more settled urbanites of Kiev and
Novgorod." (Price 2008:132).
We would like to emphasize "An extensive amount of the archaeological finds appears to be of foreign
origin and thereby clearly indicate contact with other towns and areas in Northern Europe, like Dorestad
(Moen 2010:21)."

3.2. Western Europe

Kaupang also maintained trade ties with western Europe, particularly England and France. Through ship
routes, the city exchanged goods such as raw materials, silk, jewelry, and embroidery.
"Here and in nearby cemeteries, many imported goods have been found that demonstrate contacts
primarily with Western Europe and Denmark. There is pottery and glass from the Rhineland, bronze mounts
from the British Isles and pottery from Denmark. Traces of industry and a jetty have been covered and five
of the six houses that have been excavated seem to have been workshops rather than dwellings (Roesdahl
1998:126)."

3.3 Popular products

Kaupang was a key member of a trade network that connected different regions. "Kaupang in Vestfold, in
southern Norway, on the western side of the mouth of Oslo Fjord, lay near the present city of Larvik. The
land level has risen here too since the Viking Age, so the connections with the sea were much better than
they are today. Vestfold was one of Norway's richest and most fertile areas. (Roesdahl 1998: 125)".
The main goods exchanged in Kaupang included:

Wool: Scandinavian wool was very valuable and a large part of the trade in Kaupang. It was used to make
clothing and textiles.

Metal products: Kaupang produced metal products, such as weapons and jewelry, which were in demand in
various markets.

Glass: The Vikings imported glass from other parts of Europe, especially from the Roman Empire. Glass was
used to make jewelry and tableware.

Wine: One of the main imported goods was wine, which was imported from southern Europe, particularly
from France. Wine was used as a beverage as well as a commodity for trade.

Conclusion to chapter 3
In chapter three of my paper, I analyzed the impact of Kaupang on the development of culture and trade
relations with neighboring regions.

The importance of Kaupang in the development of Scandinavian culture and trade was important and
unpredictable. This settlement became a place where different cultures and trade routes met. Ideas, craft
and artistic skills were exchanged here, leading to the flourishing and expansion of knowledge and
technology.

The legacy of Kaupang to the modern world is not only in the archaeological finds and relics that were
discovered during the excavations. It is also important in terms of cultural heritage and way of life. Kaupang
has left its mark on modern traditions, art and language.

The study of Kaupang helps us to better understand not only the history of this particular settlement, but
also the general patterns of cultural exchange and the development of national and international relations.
Kaupang has become a symbol of how different cultures can interact and enrich each other, leading to
innovation and common development.

Section 4: Relations with local leaders

4.1 Roles of leaders

Relations between Kaupang and local chiefs were an important aspect of the settlement's functioning. The
chiefs had influence on trade agreements and provided security for trade missions to other regions.
However, there were sometimes conflicts and clashes between the Vikings and local rulers over trade
ambitions and power.
In his work, Baug cites Naumann's thoughts and it gives us an insight into the influence of the chieftains in
Kaupang at that time "Based on the difference in its positioning, and the above mentioned communication
with the road, Skre has argued that Nordre Kaupang was the cemetery used by the chieftains and
landowners of the nearby area (Baug 2018:53)."

So, of course, local leaders played an important role in the development of the town. They ensured order in
the city and controlled trade operations. However, it is also worth noting that over time this role began to
change under the influence of the Danish royalty.

4.2 Influence of the Kingdom of Denmark

In the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Kaupang came under the influence of the Danish kingdom, which led to
changes in the city's power and governance. The Danish kings established their agents in Kaupang and
controlled trade operations. This influenced the city's internal affairs and its relations with other trading
centers.
The Danish kingdom provided support to ensure security and stability in Kaupang. This was important
because the settlement had many enemies and competitors in the Viking world. Danish support helped
protect the settlement's trade missions and resources. Denmark's
influence was also noted in Kaupang's trade relations. Danish kings could determine with whom the
settlement could trade and on what terms. This influenced trade contacts, the amount of exchange, and
the types of goods that were available to Kaupang.

Under Danish influence, Kaupang's political structures could be changed or adapted to suit the kingdom's
interests. This could include the appointment of administrators or Danish representatives to oversee the
settlement and ensure compliance with royal directives.
Danish control also affected the economy of Kaupang. This included an increase in taxes and customs duties
paid by residents and trading partners. These financial resources could be used to develop the settlement
and support the kingdom.

Thus, the influence of the Danish Kingdom on Kaupang was significant in the development and functioning
of the settlement. It determined the political, economic, and socio-cultural context of Kaupang and its
relations with other regions. These kingdom activities testified to the importance of Kaupang as a trade
center and its role in the trade networks of the Middle Ages.

Conclusion to Chapter 4

In summary, the chapter 4 aspect of Kaupang's history is important for understanding its political and
social context.

Cooperation with local leaders was key to creating a stable and secure atmosphere for trade operations.
The chiefs played an important role in maintaining order in the city and regulating trade relations. They also
contributed to the development of Kaupang by providing the conditions for the growth of retail chains and
attracting new residents.

However, the influence of the Danish kingdom in the 11th and 12th centuries led to changes in the role of
the chiefs and the management of the city. The royal authorities established their agents in Kaupang, which
led to greater control over trade transactions and tax consumption. This affected the internal affairs of the
city and its economic status.

All these factors indicate that Kaupang was a complex community in which various political and social
forces interacted and influenced its development. The roles of local leaders and the influence of the Danish
kingdom reflect the general dynamics of trade centers in the early Middle Ages and their ability to adapt to
changes in the political environment.
Conclusions:

Kaupang was an important Viking trading center located at the intersection of trade routes between
eastern and western Europe. Its history is divided into several key periods. The city served as an important
center for trade, crafts, and agriculture, and its relationship with local chieftains and the Danish kingdom
shaped its historical development. Kaupang remains an important research site for studying the role of the
Vikings in the early Middle Ages and their impact on European history.

Additionally, it is important to note that Kaupang influenced cultural diversity and the exchange of
knowledge between different peoples. People of different nationalities, faiths, and traditions met in this
city, which fostered cultural interaction and the exchange of ideas. Art, architecture, and religious practices
developed in an influential way due to the contacts that took place in Kaupang.

Overall, the history of Kaupang shows an important period in the development of the Middle Ages, when
trade networks and cultural exchanges played a key role in creating new identities and contributed to the
development of society. This research paper has tried to address a general overview of Kaupang's history,
its periodization, main activities, goods and trade routes, as well as the relationship with local chiefs and
the influence of the Danish kingdom on this important trading center. The study of Kaupang is important
for a better understanding of the history of the Vikings and their contribution to the development of
Europe in the early Middle Ages.

List of references:

1. Baug Irene, Larsen Janicke and Samset Mygland Sigrid (2015) Nordic Middle Ages - Artefacts, Landscapes
and Society (53).

2. Baug Irene, Skre Dagfinn, Heldal Tom, J. Jansen Øystein (2018) The Beginning of the Viking Age in the
West (4).

3. Moen Marianne (2010) The Gendered Landscape, A discussion on gender, status and powerexpressed in
the Viking Age mortuary landscape (5-21).

4. Price Niel (2008) Passing into Poetry: Viking-Age Mortuary Drama and the Origins of Norse Mythology
(126-132).

5. Roesdahl Else (1998) The Vikings (89-126).