Vikings in Aarhus history

Territory  around  three squares  -  Store Torv, Bispetorv and Sct. Clements Torv – always was the heart of Aarhus. Vikings founded Aarhus approx.  in 770. It is possible however, that it could happen earlier, in this case Aarhus would pretend to be the oldest town in Denmark.  This status belongs at the moment to Ribe,  where the most known old building bears date nearly 740. 

From the time of its foundation Aarhus was surrounded by thick semicircular protection embankment.  This could prove the fact,  that originally Aarhus served as a fortress and developed to a town only at a later date.  For the first time Aarhus was mentioned  as a bishop residence in 948, 965 and 988, from 1060 the town becomes the official residence of bishops. 

About the history of Vikings tells the Vikings Museum in Aarhus, situated in  basement level of the Nordea Bank building, in Saint Clements Torv.  

Comments:
1. According to other  sources  -  approx. 900. But from our point of view, it was significantly earlier.

 

Photo: The model of the Viking house. Viking Museum in Aarhus.