Archaeologist and historian of technology Carina Bennerhag presents new research that reshapes our understanding of the early history of iron in the North.
Through analyses of previously discovered remains of iron-working in northern Sweden, Finland, and Norway, Carina shows that steel was not only used, but also produced and further refined in the area as early as 2,200 years ago. These findings challenge the traditional view of northern Europe as a peripheral region in the long history of iron. Instead, a new narrative emerges in which ancient Arctic hunter-gatherer groups not only used iron, but also developed advanced techniques and organizational skills for its production.
Carina Bennerhag is an archaeologist at Norrbotten Museum and a researcher in the history of technology at Luleå University of Technology. She has more than 25 years of experience in archaeological fieldwork in Norrbotten County and defended her PhD in 2023 with a dissertation on ancient steel production among hunter-gatherer groups in Arctic Europe.
The lecture is free of charge and no registration is required.
The photo shows the remains of a 2,000-year-old furnace wall from an iron production site discovered at Lake Vaikhojärvi near the village of Vivungi in Kiruna Municipality, Norrbotten.
Part of the Storytelling Festival 2025.
Ernst Westerlunds allé
931 32 Skellefteå
Phone: +46-910735000
Organizer: Skellefteå museum
E-mail: post@skellefteamuseum.se
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