| 1. |
- Lindholm, Karl-Johan, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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The Bear in the Grave : Exploitation of Top Predator and Herbivore Resources in First Millennium Sweden—First Trends from a Long-Term Research Project
- 2016
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In: European Journal of Archaeology. - : Cambridge University Press. - 1461-9571 .- 1741-2722. ; 19:1, s. 3-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper focusses on animal remains associated with archaeological contexts dated to the middle and later phases of the Scandinavian Iron Age, which corresponds to the first millennium AD. The main question to be addressed is whether this record can be used for identifying human impact on certain animal populations for modelling faunal exploitation and interregional trade. In the first part of the paper, we undertake a detailed inventory of animal finds recorded in published excavation reports, research catalogues, and in existing databases maintained primarily by the Historical Museum in Stockholm. We compare the chronological pattern identified in the burial assemblages with a chronological sequence retrieved from pitfall hunting systems located in the Scandinavian inland region. The chronologies of the animal finds from burials and the pitfall systems are then compared with dated pollen-analytical sequences retrieved in the inland region and additional archaeological assemblages, such as graves and hoards of Roman coins. In our discussion, we outline an interregional model of faunal exploitation between ad 300 and 1200, including the possible location of hunting grounds and end-distribution areas for animal products. The paper provides deeper insights into the burial record of the middle Iron Age, arguing for the need for broader interregional approaches, and focussed archaeological research in the inland regions of Scandinavia.
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| 2. |
- Ljungkvist, John, Docent, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Bears and the Viking Age transition in Sweden
- 2023
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In: Bear and Human. - Turnhout : Brepols. - 9782503606132 ; , s. 387-404
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The main objective of this paper is to generate a deeper understanding of bear and human relationships in the 1st millennium AD. This will primarily be achieved by the analysis of a detailed chronology of bear phalanges from Iron Age burials. The aim is to note changes in the deposition patterns of bear remains in burials in order to identify human impact - which we consider significant for hunting pressure - on the Scandinavian bear populations of the 1st millennium AD. The authors suggest that bear hunting can be considered as part of the larger processes of intensified exploitation of the boreal forest in the Iron Age that contributed to the formation of interregional trade networks. It is suggested that this exploitation affected the bear population to such an extent that overused animal resources can be understood as one of several contributing factors behind the Viking expansion outside Scandinavia. An understanding of bear and human relationships will contribute to a better knowledge of the cultural history of Scandinavia’s forested region and of interregional contacts with the central agricultural regions.
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| 3. |
- Ljungkvist, John, Docent, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Den stora jakten
- 2020
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In: Populär arkeologi. - 0281-014X. ; :2, s. 10-13
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Journal article (pop. science, debate, etc.)
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| 4. |
- Arthur, Frank, et al.
(author)
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The impact of volcanism on Scandinavian climate and human societies during the Holocene: Insights into the Fimbulwinter eruptions (536/540 AD)
- 2024
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In: The Holocene. - 0959-6836 .- 1477-0911.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent paleoclimatic research has revealed that volcanic events around 536–540 AD caused severe, short-term global cooling. For this same period, archeological research from various regions evidences significant cultural transformation. However, there is still a lack of understanding of how human societies responded and adapted to extreme climate variability and new circumstances. This study focuses on the effects of the 536/540 AD volcanic event in four Scandinavian regions by exploring the shift in demographic and land use intensity before, during, and after this abrupt climate cooling. To achieve this, we performed climate simulations with and without volcanic eruptions using a dynamically downscaled climate model (iLOVECLIM) at a high resolution (0.25° or ~25 km). We integrated the findings with a comprehensive collection of radiocarbon dates from excavated archeological sites across various Scandinavian regions. Our Earth System Model simulates pronounced cooling (maximum ensemble mean −1.1°C), an abrupt reduction in precipitation, and a particularly acute drop in growing degree days (GDD0) after the volcanic event, which can be used to infer likely impacts on agricultural productivity. When compared to the archeological record, we see considerable regional diversity in the societal response to this sudden environmental event. As a result, this study provides a more comprehensive insight into the demographic chronology of Scandinavia and a deeper understanding of the land-use practices its societies depended on during the 536/540 AD event. Our results suggest that this abrupt climate anomaly amplified a social change already in progress.
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| 5. |
- Dögg Eddudottir, Sigrun, et al.
(author)
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The history of settlement and agrarian land use in a boreal forestin Värmland, Sweden, new evidence from pollen analysis
- 2021
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In: Vegetation History and Archaeobotany. - : Springer. - 0939-6314 .- 1617-6278. ; , s. 1-13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Shielings are the historically known form of transhumance in Scandinavia, where livestock were moved from the farmsteadto sites in the outlands for summer grazing. Pollen analysis has provided a valuable insight into the history of shielings. Thispaper presents a vegetation reconstruction and archaeological survey from the shieling Kårebolssätern in northern Värmland,western Sweden, a renovated shieling that is still operating today. The first evidence of human activities in the area nearKårebolssätern are Hordeum- and Cannabis-type pollen grains occurring from ca. 100 bc. Further signs of human impactare charcoal and sporadic occurrences of apophyte pollen from ca. ad 250 and pollen indicating opening of the canopy ca.ad 570, probably a result of modification of the forest for grazing. A decrease in land use is seen between ad 1000 and 1250,possibly in response to a shift in emphasis towards large scale commodity production in the outlands. Emphasis on bloomeryiron production and pitfall hunting may have caused a shift from agrarian shieling activity. The clearest changes in the pollenassemblage indicating grazing and cultivation occur from the mid-thirteenth century, coinciding with wetter climate at thebeginning of the Little Ice Age. The earliest occurrences of anthropochores in the record predate those of other shieling sitesin Sweden. The pollen analysis reveals evidence of land use that predates the results of the archaeological survey. The studyhighlights how pollen analysis can reveal vegetation changes where early archaeological remains are obscure.
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| 6. |
- Ekblom, Anneli, 1969-, et al.
(author)
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Conservation through Biocultural Heritage-Examples from Sub-Saharan Africa
- 2019
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In: Land. - : MDPI. - 2073-445X. ; 8:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, we review the potential of biocultural heritage in biodiversity protection and agricultural innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. We begin by defining the concept of biocultural heritage into four interlinked elements that are revealed through integrated landscape analysis. This concerns the transdisciplinary methods whereby biocultural heritage must be explored, and here we emphasise that reconstructing landscape histories and documenting local heritage values needs to be an integral part of the process. Ecosystem memories relate to the structuring of landscape heterogeneity through such activities as agroforestry and fire management. The positive linkages between living practices, biodiversity and soil nutrients examined here are demonstrative of the concept of ecosystem memories. Landscape memories refer to built or enhanced landscapes linked to specific land-use systems and property rights. Place memories signify practices of protection or use related to a specific place. Customary protection of burial sites and/or abandoned settlements, for example, is a common occurrence across Africa with beneficial outcomes for biodiversity and forest protection. Finally, we discuss stewardship and change. Building on local traditions, inclusivity and equity are essential to promoting the continuation and innovation of practices crucial for local sustainability and biodiversity protection, and also offer new avenues for collaboration in landscape management and conservation.
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| 7. |
- Eriksson, Ove, et al.
(author)
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Claudius' Coin in the Forest : Niche Construction and Strategies by Early Colonizers of Boreal Inlands in Central Scandinavia
- 2022
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In: Historical Ecology. - London; Hoboken : John Wiley & Sons. - 9781394169764 - 9781789450903 ; , s. 207-219
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The colonization and establishment of agriculture and iron production in the boreal forest inland regions of central Scandinavia from the Iron Age onwards implied that people must have overcome great difficulties. Climate is harsh, and vast areas are covered with forest and mires initially unsuitable for farming. The authors suggests that a combination of a mind-set based on infield systems occurring in the regions from where the colonizers came, and constraints imposed by the environment, promoted human niche construction processes specific for these regions. The landscape was basically structured as infields and outland, but the constraints imposed by the poor productivity of the forests necessitated extending forest grazing spatially, promoted use of outland mires for harvest of winter fodder, and ultimately led to development of secondary farms, shielings, as an innovative strategy of a spatially structured domesticated landscape.
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| 8. |
- Eriksson, Ove, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Concepts for Integrated Research in Historical Ecology
- 2018
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In: Issues and Concepts in Historical Ecology: ThePast and Future of Landscapes and regions. - Cambridge : Cambridge University Press. - 9781108420983 - 9781108355780 ; , s. 145-181
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)
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| 9. |
- Eriksson, Ove, et al.
(author)
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Historical Ecology of Scandinavian Infield Systems
- 2021
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In: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 13:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Infield systems originated during the early Iron Age and existed until the 19th century, although passing many transitions and changes. The core features of infield systems were enclosed infields with hay-meadows and crop fields, and unenclosed outland mainly used for livestock grazing. We examine the transitions and changes of domesticated landscapes with infield systems using the framework of human niche construction, focusing on reciprocal causation affecting change in both culture and environment. A first major transition occurred during the early Middle Ages, as a combined effect of a growing elite society and an increased availability of iron promoted expansion of villages with partly communal infields. A second major transition occurred during the 18th and 19th centuries, due to a then recognized inefficiency of agricultural production, leading to land reforms. In outlands, there was a continuous expansion of management throughout the whole period. Even though external factors had significant impacts as well, human niche construction affected a range of cultural and environmental features regarding the management and structure of domesticated landscapes with infield systems. Thus, niche construction theory is a useful framework for understanding the historical ecology of infield systems.
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| 10. |
- Fayet, Catherine M. J., et al.
(author)
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TERRANOVA White Paper 2. An Explorative opinion paper : ‘WHY DO WE NEED STAKEHOLDERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION: TERRANOVA’S VISION ON LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION’
- 2021
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Other publication (pop. science, debate, etc.)abstract
- This is the second out of three white papers from the TERRANOVA project, The European Landscape Learning Initiative an Innovative Training Network consortium of the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Between 2019 and 2023, fifteen Early Stage Researchers (ESRs - ie. PhD students) are trained within this project to envision ‘nature-based' landscape developments for Europe, relying on an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. TERRANOVA seeks to outline the necessity to promote good communication skills in research to transfer efficiently ‘landscape knowledge’ to policymakers and the public. This white paper presents TERRANOVA’s vision on landscape transformation and stakeholders’ engagement in knowledge production. First, we reflect on the relevance of engaging with stakeholders in research. Second, we present the outcomes of a workshop conducted with practitioners in nature conservation and reflect on the challenges they reported to integrate interdisciplinarity in their practice. We conclude that the inclusion of stakeholders and practitioners at every stage is key to ensure that research outcomes have a societal impact. Strengthening this approach will ensure that TERRANOVA ESRs’ research outputs are understandable and useful for land managers and decision-makers.HIGHLIGHTS: RECOMMENDATIONSEstablishing connections between TERRANOVA and stakeholders involved in landscape management is crucial to ensure the relevancy and usefulness of ESRs’ research.TERRANOVA researchers and stakeholders met to discuss how research can be tailored to stakeholders’ needs during a workshop on Friday 26th February 2021.TERRANOVA’s ESRs collected recommendations for their own research practices that reinforced their willingness to engage with stakeholders, connect with practitioners and rely on participatory methods for landscape management interventions.Stakeholders identified the engagement of different local stakeholders, the coexistence of diverging visions about conservation goals, the unexpected outcomes of top-down policy incentives, and the difficulty of setting conservation goals priority as main challenges in conservation practices.
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