The migration period (Ca 400 -550 AD/CE) was both golden age and a time of societal upheaval and collapse in Scandinavia. It became the source of legends about heroes and treachery. But it also left blood chilling remains of a massacre for archaeologists to find.
The Sandby borg massacre is a window into a world were the established order was falling apart and no one was spared. Even the dead became weapons in the struggles of the living.
Sandby borg shows that the themes of treachery and brutality encountered in the Germanic legends had their roots in a brutal reality. Were meeting out vengeance on the children of those who wronged your ancestors was accepted.
But despite this, the massacre at Sandby may have been seen as going too far in the eyes of contemporary society.
What should I bring?
Nothing but curiosity!
Who is the host?
I, Matti från Hietaniemi, work as Museums teacher and studied archaeology and osteology during my university days. The migration period and the earlier iron age are my primary period of interest and have been for about 30 years.
Email: mattiniord@gmail.com
Other information about the class
- Suitable for ages 13+, or 9+ with accompanying adult
- There will be descriptions of violence and injury so it is not suitable for children.
