Birger Jarl and the Founding of Stockholm

While Stockholm's origins are often traced to Birger Jarl in the mid-13th century, recent archaeological digs suggest a more complex story. This episode explores the strategic founding of Sweden's capital—why Birger Jarl built a fortress on the island of Stadsholmen, the role of the 'Stock' log boom that gave the city its name, and how the settlement grew from a defensive outpost against Novgorod into a Hanseatic trading hub. We also examine the conflicting evidence: runestones mentioning an earlier settlement, the debate over whether Birger Jarl or his son Valdemar actually issued the founding letter, and how the city's layout reflected medieval power structures. Join Lucas and Luna as they unravel the layers of legend and fact behind Stockholm's birth.

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