The archaeology and ecology of collapse: social and agricultural change following the Black Death in Sweden

The aim of this project is to give new insights into societal and ecological change in connection to the Black Death and the late-medieval crisis (c. 14-15th centuries) in present-day Sweden. Contrary to earlier research, recent studies suggest that Sweden was hit hard by the Black Death, with a population drop of 50% or more, and probably with major consequences for society. However, no details are known about the crisis and all research is still based on the poor record of medieval historical documents oron later historical records from the 16th and 17th centuries. This project will use a new and entirely different approach by studying other types of evidence, i.e. archaeological, anthropological, paleo-ecological and dendrochronological data. In an international perspective, Sweden has a wealth of such data but they have so far not been used for any thorough studies of the late-medieval crisis. Each type of data will be processed separately and combined into interdisciplinary interpretations. Focus will be on the standard of living in towns and on the countryside and its connection to agricultural change, and the ecological and social consequences of farm abandonment and regrowth of woodland. The aim is to identify agricultural and social strategies developed to meet the crisis and to understand ecological feedback mechanisms to societal change. The project will contribute to international research on the historical relationship between society and environment.