Get an overview of the time period.
Explore the Pre-Roman and the Roman Iron Age.
Explore the Migration Period, Vendel Age and Viking Age.
The Gerum cloak is the oldest preserved item of clothing ever discovered within the present-day borders of Sweden. Damage to the cloak suggests that its owner was murdered approximately 2,300 years ago.
The Nordic Iron Age is the period between 500 BC and AD 1100. Järnålder kallas tiden mellan 500 före Kristus till 1100 efter Kristus. Farming, trade and new ideas from the Roman Empire influenced life in both southern and northern Sweden. The end of this period is known as the Viking Age.
In 1993, a man discovered twelve iron objects buried in the ground at Kråknäset, just outside Torsåker in Gästrikland. They revealed high-quality craftsmanship spanning 600 years.
In archaeology, there are several methods for both relative and absolute dating.
In the early 1900s, when someone was ploughing at Haglunda in Alböke parish on Öland, they came across a small bronze figurine. Is it a depiction of a real person or a deity? See the figurine in the Gold Room at the Swedish History Museum.
In 1816, one of the earliest well-documented archaeological investigations of a rich grave was carried out in Bohuslän. What was inside?
An archaeologist is a researcher who studies humanity’s past through material remains. This can include buildings, objects, graves, settlements, or other traces left by people. The purpose of archaeology is to understand past societies, their structure, ways of life, economy, beliefs, and technology.
The runes were the earliest form of writing in Scandinavia. They were created as early as the first century AD. By the time the Viking Age runestones were carved, the runes had already existed for nearly a thousand years.
In 1825, farmer’s daughter Margaretha Jönsdotter discovered this twisted gold rod. No further details about the circumstances of the find were recorded.
An osteologist is a specialist in skeletons, both human and animal. The word "osteology" comes from the Greek osteon, meaning bone, and logos, meaning study – so it literally means "the study of bones."
The Roman emperor surrounded himself with a splendour that is difficult to imagine today. The emperor and his court asserted their exceptional status through, among other things, distinctive clothing and jewellery.
“Be happy, Eunesios.” That’s the rough translation of the inscription on a golden ring from the Roman era. The ring is remarkable both for its design and decoration. It is nearly 2,000 years old.
Explore a 3D-model of a vessel from Pre-Roman Iron Age in the collections of the Swedish History Museum.
Shortly after the birth of Christ, metal finger rings began to appear in Scandinavia. This was likely one of many signs of influence from the Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire reached its height during the centuries following the birth of Christ. Much of the known world at the time was influenced by Roman culture.
Around 100 BC, or shortly thereafter, gold jewellery of remarkable quality begins to appear in the Nordic region. These pieces have no clear roots in native traditions and are distinguished by their decoration: applied gold wires and granules.
During the Nordic Iron Age, people liked to adorn themselves as if they belonged to the Roman Empire. A large number of rings of various kinds found in Sweden bear witness to the influence of the Roman Empire.
In the exhibitions and storages of the Swedish History Museum there are a vast amount of pendants and beads. Here you will find a few examples from Roman Iron-age.
Learn about the Viking Age, a historical period during the Iron Age.
Discover fascinating articles and objects in the museum's knowledge database, the History hub.
Captivating stories about people and objects from prehistoric times.
See unique gold and silver jewels and sparkling treasures.
Join us on a journey to the Viking Age. See 2,500 original artifacts, learn about trade, travel, and beliefs – and discover how the Vikings really lived.
Search for articles and objects in the History hub. Sort and filter by time period and theme to find what's relevant to your specific interests.
