The
Norwegian city of Tønsberg, was first mentioned by a contemporary writer
was in the year 1130. According to Snorri Sturluson, Tønsberg was
founded before the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which, according to Snorri,
took place in 871.
What
year the battle took place is disputed, however, and most current
historians believe the battle took place closer to 900. However, if the
battle did in fact take place in 871, this would make Tønsberg the
oldest present Scandinavian city.
Now
archaeologists believe the city dates from at least 900AD after a series
of drill samples taken from the site contain evidence of occupation and
human activity called Kulturlag.
The
sample drilling was undertaken by Norway’s institute for Cultural
Heritage (Norsk institutt for kulturminneforskning, NIKU) who confirmed
that the samples prove Tønsberg’s existence during the Viking Period as
early as 900AD.
