Settlement organization in Iron Age Scandinavia and beyond: Traditions, terminologies, regionalities and methodologies

Abstract

The nature of settlement organization is a core question in archaeological excavations and research. In some respects, settlement archaeological research in Scandinavia is characterized by variances notably in research traditions and terminology. These are largely the product of differences between national institutions and languages. However, contrasts in prehistoric and historic settlement organization appear between regions and periods rather than between the (later) national borders. Methodological advances are opening up a broadening range of opportunities in the years to come. By reviewing the topics of research traditions, terminology, regional and temporal variations, and developing methodologies, we here introduce the general topic of this book as well as the individual contributions.