Oxford University Press The Oxford Handbook of Post-Medieval Archaeology in the Nordic Countries

Post-medieval archaeology in the Nordic countries has experienced rapid growth since the late 1990s, driven by urban development and increasing recognition of the period's importance. This volume provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent research, focusing on the region's integration into European and global networks through shifting political borders, trade, and maritime connections. Research traditions vary across the Nordic countries, influenced by differences in legislation, funding, and methodologies. While Norway's Cultural Heritage Act excludes most post-medieval sites, Sweden's 2014 reform expanded legal protections. Denmark emphasizes regional studies, often conducted by museums, while Finland and Iceland use a hybrid model combining state and private sector research. This volume brings together contributions that not only discuss local phenomena but also place them within broader Nordic and European contexts, offering valuable insights into the development and future direction of post-medieval archaeology in the region. The Oxford Handbook of Post-Medieval Archaeology in the Nordic Countries comprehensively examines research history and current research interests in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The chapters unveil insights into consumption, commercial networks, and the sustainable use of material culture. Recent research on rural and urban life offers insights into material reuse, extensive town building, and landscape exploitation. The Handbook also delves into the lives of the vulnerable and marginalized, including rural subalterns, poorhouse inmates, Travellers, women, and children. The chapters also discuss the latest studies on churches, burials, and the material culture of folk religion, as well as research on Indigenous Sámi culture and reindeer herding. Life in the Arctic is viewed through the lens of colonialism, migration, and interaction, including the lives of whalers in Svalbard. Finally, the book discusses maritime archaeological perspectives on merchants and warships, and those who navigated the Baltic Sea. The Handbook offers researchers around the world a gateway to understanding the dynamic and interconnected world of post-medieval archaeology in the Nordic countries.