Unearthing a Forgotten 16th-Century City in Gothenburg
Recently, archaeologists in Sweden made an intriguing find beneath modern-day Gothenburg: the remnants of a long-lost city dating back to the 16th century.
The excavation, conducted by the Swedish archaeological firm Archeologerna, took place earlier this fall in the Orskrocken district, located east of central Gothenburg. This city is notably Sweden’s second largest, following Stockholm.
This once-thriving locale was known as Nya Rodse, a town that came into being in 1473 under the direction of the Swedish regent Sten Sture the Elder.
Nya Rodse sat strategically near the North Sea, functioning as a prosperous port that drew in traders from across Western Europe. However, by 1624, the city had begun to decline, leading to Gothenburg’s emergence in its place. Thanks to dedicated archaeological efforts, artifacts from this obscure site have recently come to light.
According to archaeologist Matthias Obrink, Nya Rodse was laid out in a typical medieval market town design, surrounded by a grid system that centered around the marketplace and the town hall. “There were similarities in the physical structure of most of the lots,” he noted. “All houses, with the exception of the church, were built with wood and were relatively uniform in size and style.”
However, Obrink observed that subtle social distinctions could be detected through the artifacts found. He described findings like leather gloves and wooden barrels that illustrated daily life in the town. “We found a substantial number of artifacts that showcase not only everyday items but also surplus ones,” he remarked.
Among the many discoveries was a significant collection of imported ceramics. Perhaps most surprisingly, they also unearthed a fragment from a mid-16th-century pocket watch. Photographs from the excavation depict 16th-century leather gloves, remains of structures, and even a wooden barrel from the 17th century repurposed as a cesspit.
Obrink pointed out that during the 16th century, this area was densely populated, offering valuable insights into life in Nya Rodse from the remains of its inhabitants. “We managed to excavate a significant portion of the town, yet the artifacts we collected span only about 150 years,” he explained.
Nya Rodse was established during a turbulent period marked by Danish-Swedish conflicts, intended to replace an earlier medieval settlement, Rodse. Obrink mentioned, “Even though a political union existed since the 14th century, Sweden continually sought independence.” The conflicts around the Danish border eventually gave way to Gothenburg emerging as a fortified city.
Since 2013, archaeological efforts have revealed sophisticated aspects of the town, including streets, at least 39 blocks, a harbor, piers, and a central square, alongside the discovery of fortifications like moats and ramparts.
Ultimately, Obrink expressed that these discoveries provide a wonderful opportunity to dissect the intricate details of life in Nya Rodse. “It’s a storytelling chance that’s rare anywhere else,” he remarked, noting these findings exist against the backdrop of significant historical shifts in 16th-century Europe. It was a time of major transformations, including the discovery of the Americas and the rise of influential monarchies.
This excavation in Gothenburg is just one of many notable archaeological projects undertaken in Sweden this year. Also this spring, metal detector enthusiasts guided archaeologists through the remnants of medieval monasteries in the southwestern part of the country. Earlier this fall, fishermen near Stockholm stumbled upon a sizable medieval treasure while searching for worms.
