Authors:Lars Erik Gjerpe Abstract: When Bo Gräslund (2008) argued that two years without summer in the late 530s was the reality behind the Fimbulwinter myth, it became acceptable once again to blame the climate and weather for radical societal changes. In the years since the 2008 article, the Dust Veil Event seems to have caused every 6th century change, even though a few critics have raised their voices against these interpretations. Recently, several authors have highlighted datasets that do not work with monocausal interpretation, and this critique has gained support. This leads to the fundamental question: how – if at all – did the Dust Veil Event affect Scandinavian societies' And following this: what methodology can we use to explore such an intricate problem' As disasters are inherently social phenomena, climatic change results in disaster only if societal circumstances allow. I will argue that resilience theory stands out as a promising approach, as it inherently considers the impact of nature as well as human agency, making the characteristics of the society stricken by disaster is as important as the disaster itself. Moreover, as the dating of the archaeological inventory is not accurate enough to relate material change to a single calendar year (such as AD 536), investigators need a long-term view. It is also necessary to consider circumstances such as long-term societal change and the geopolitical situation in Europe, and its impact on Scandinavia. PubDate: 2021-12-13 Issue No:Vol. 15 (2021)
Authors:Anders Högberg Abstract: In this text we discuss how Swedish contract archaeology can develop its socialengagement by creating new areas of relevance to society, beyond the generalactivities of disseminating results. We do so by giving concrete examples of howthis can be done, using archaeological excavations as a starting point. The examplesinclude engaging the local community in future planning for a social sustainableliving environment, collaboration with the tourism sector, development of teachingmaterials for secondary schools, memory training for people with acquired braindamage, and school programs focusing on a socially sustainable and inclusive society.The purpose of the text is to inspire change, by showing development opportunitiesfor future contract archaeology that will benefit both performers and recipients,and contribute to society’s multifaceted needs. PubDate: 2021-11-01 Issue No:Vol. 15 (2021)
Open Access journal
