From the start of the 12th century, Iceland was divided into two dioceses, with one bishop’s seat in the north and another in the south. The southern seat, Skálholt, is the focus of Gavin Lucas’s talk, which introduces the excavations at the site.
The presentation primarily highlights the period after the Reformation in the 17th and 18th centuries. Lucas provides an overview of the findings and shows how they deepen our understanding of Icelandic society, particularly an elite community living in the North Atlantic at a time when the transatlantic world was undergoing major changes.
The lecture will be followed by a short conversation with Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson, Associate Professor at Uppsala University. This discussion will centre on Lucas’s work on time in archaeology and what it means for interpreting objects and narratives.
Gavin Lucas is professor of archaeology at Iceland University and the recipient of the 2026 Gad Rausing Prize for Outstanding Humanities Research. The prize is awarded annually by The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.
Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson is docent, associate professor at Centre for the World in the Viking Age at the Department of Archaeology, Ancient History & Conservation at Uppsala University.
In collaboration with The Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities.
Tip!
Make the evening even more enjoyable with a warming soup and a glass of wine at the museum’s restaurant, Rosengården. The evening’s special offer is SEK 160. A non-alcoholic option is available for SEK 120.
- Admission at the museum: SEK 180. Digital livestream admission: SEK 100.
Purchase your ticket via Tickster using the link above. - The Swedish History Museum, Narvavägen 17. Metro: Karlaplan or Östermalmstorg.
- Your lecture ticket also includes admission to the museum and all exhibitions that you have time to explore before the lecture.
- The lecture will be held in English.