Bioarchaeological Aspects of the Early Stage of Urbanization in Sigtuna, Sweden

In the late tenth century, the late Viking Age–early Middle Ages town, Sigtuna, was founded. The town contrasted with preceding hubs in the region, demonstrating a structured town plan with royal and religious administrations. The urbanization process, as read through the inhabitants, has been investigated in several studies during recent years. In this overview, a holistic approach is taken, combining results from previous studies based on different types of data from individuals buried in Sigtuna. The homogeneous character of most graves is contrasted with the complexity demonstrated by aDNA and isotope analyses. While the dietary patterns overall suggest cultural similarities involving only a small level of social stratification, there are also indications of long-distance mobility, disparate ancestry, and, probably, second-generation immigrants. Additionally, gender-related activities are evident in the bioarchaeological data. The cosmopolitan character of the town may well have had an impact on the citizens, as there is a dietary difference (δ13C- and δ15N-values) between people buried in Sigtuna and those buried at the preceding Viking center, Birka, and at contemporary farmstead cemeteries. Collectively, the data demonstrate the social networks and influx of ideas in the forming of the urban Sigtuna society.