Ancient Powers of the Baltic Sea

Ancient Powers of the Baltic Sea presents an alternative, sea-centered view of the history of the nations surrounding the Baltic Sea. Pre-eminent Finnish historian Matti Klinge presents, in five chapters and with plentiful black and white illustrations, theories as to the overlapping spheres of influence around the Baltic Sea, including various tribes from Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Estonia, as well as medieval powers such as the Teutonic Knights. His writing also considers the conversion of Finland and the meaning of the legendary sampo of Finnish oral poetry in the context of trade along sea routes. A further chapter considers the Swedish and Danish royal title "King of the Wends" and suggests that this may refer to an area including parts of Finland.

With a far-ranging and loose style, Klinge's "unfinished" book, first published in Finnish and Swedish in 1983 and 1984 and translated into English in 2007, draws on an immense set of evidence, from the oral histories of various regions, to ancient maps and the early histories of the Nordic countries and elsewhere in Europe. While this book might not be a good starting point for learning the history of the region, it presents a wealth of interesting resources and ideas for the reader curious about the details of the early development of the Nordic nations.

ISBN: 9780978348809
Author: Matti Klinge
Language: English
Publisher: Aspasia Books
Edition: 2007, softcover, 198 pgs

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