Kaupang

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For another Viking Age site, see Kaupanger.

Kaupang is the name of a town that existed in the Viking Age, from about 800 until it was abandoned for unknown reasons in the early 10th Century. It was situated in Vestfold county in Norway.

Most archaeologists believe it was the first urban settlement of some significance in Norway. Excavations and studies have found that Kaupang functioned as a handcraft and commercial center, with around 1,000 inhabitants. Kaupang is mentioned under the name of Skiringssal in Ohthere from Hålogaland's tales.

In the summer of 2000, the University of Oslo began an extensive new excavation programme at Kaupang.

[edit] External links

• Was Kaupang Norway’s first town?
• The Kaupang Excavation Project

[edit] References

Helle, K. et al., Norsk Byhistorie, Pax forlag, Oslo 2006, ISBN 9788253028828.

Trade emporia of the Viking Age
Dorestad • Kaupang • Lindholm • Hedeby • Ribe • Birka • Sigtuna • Köpingsvik Reric • Arkona • Menzlin • Ralswiek • Wolin • Truso • Kaup • Grobin Vanaja • Aldeigja • Alaborg • Hólmgard • Gnezdovo • Sarskoe • Timerevo