Line+of+Inquiry+2


 * //Societies have unique features//**

//**What was the trade like in Birka?**// Birka was a trading community,therefore, trade was very important. During the two years of it's occupation, Birka was an important trade center for the northern parts of the world. The traded goods included goods from Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe and The Orient. It became less important in the 970s-980s when the trade was taken over by Sigtuna and was eventually abandoned in the 1060s.

Birka was ruled by Swedish kings. Three kings ruled in the time Birka was around: King Bjö rn, King Anund (who was exiled) and King Olof. Bjö rn met Ansgar in 829 And Olof met him in 852.
 * //How did the leadership work in Birka?//**

//**What natural features was Birka near to?**// Birka was located on the island of Bjö rkö in Lake Mä laren (Mä lar Sea). The settlement at Birka was built on the unique "Black Earth" (Svarta Jorden) area. East of the settlement area is Hemladen, a cemetery of 1600 burial mounds.