Ansgar Cross, Birka, Bjorko island, Sweden

Ansgar Cross, or Ansgarkorset, erected 1834, in memory of Ansgar, the Apostle of the North, a missionary who brought christianity to Birka in the 9th century, at Borgberget inside the castle, at Birka, a Viking village founded c. 750 and abandoned c. 975, on Bjorko island in Lake Malaren, Sweden. The castle was built c. 750 with rampart rebuilt 9th century after a fire. Situated atop the hill, there are high ramparts which would have been topped with wooden battlements. It is a rare example of the transition from Iron Age forts to medieval castles. Birka was a Viking trading post housing up to 1, 000 people and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picture by Manuel Cohen

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom and United States Of America

1834 Ansgar Apostle Birca Birch Birka Bjorko Fortified Hilltop Malar Malaren Missionary Nordic Norse Railing Viking

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > COH