History of Visby, Gotland

People have lived on Gotland for over 7 000 years. Over 31 000 ancient remains have been recorded, making the island one of the richest areas in Sweden in ancient findings. Silver findings from Gotland show that trade with continental Europe was in full swing as early as during the Roman Empire and probably even before that.

According to an old tale, Gotland was an enchanted island which rose from the deep every evening and sank again every morning. The enchantment was broken when a man by the name of Tjelvar came to the island, bringing fire. Geological studies have shown that, although the tale might not be literally true, the island has in fact sunk and risen many times from the sea.

During the Viking Era and for several hundred years onwards, Gotland and especially the capital city Visby, became the center of trade in the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the Gotlanders' skills in boat building, they travelled far and wide, trading with whomever they met on their travels.

When enemies approached, the family silver was buried. Much has been found and is now in the Gotland County museum, but a lot is still down there somewhere. Not a year passes without a new important find. Photo: Dan Carlsson

The island lost its independency when the Germans moved in, taking over the trade. The city of Visby then joined the Hanseatic league for protection, and that heralded a new era of unprecedented prosperity. The businessmen were showing their wealth by building private churches, of which many still exist.

Eventually, the differences between the rich city businessmen and the poorer peasants ended in the invasion of the island by the Danes who killed many peasants in the process. It is generally considered to be the end of Gotland's period as a powerful trading nation.

Soon after, Mecklburgian fleets took over the island and then the German Order State had its turn in invading and ruling the island. Gotland returned to Swedish ownership in 1645 and has since then remained Swedish.

Gotland became christianised in the 12th century. According to an ancient tale, a Norwegian king, on the run from his own people, came to the island, bringing Christianity. The Gotlanders were not very impressed but finally the island joined the ranks of the faithful. It was not long before the Gotlanders took Christianity to their hearts, building many, many churches. There still exist over 90 churches on Gotland. Most of them date from the Middle Ages.

Gotland has a history as a sanctuary for refugees. During both World Wars, hundreds of Balts risked life and limb sailing across the Baltic Sea in small boats to reach safety, out of the hands of German and Russian invaders. Even today, refugees flee war and persecution, most of them coming from the Middle East via Russia.