On this free day in Bergen, I decided to visit the Bryggens Museum built over the remains of the city’s oldest buildings, showcasing life in medieval Bergen. Below ground exists the main exhibit which includes artifacts from a thirteen-year excavation initiated after a fire in 1955 that burnt down sections of Bryggen. Some of the most intriguing aspects include portions of wooden buildings as old as 900 years old, and runic inscriptions displaying gossip, ownership, and prayers. Thousands of ceramics from all over the world can also be found that highlight the extensive trade networks of medieval Norway. Additionally, a few specific artifacts that I found interesting were a miniature coffin containing a fetus from a miscarriage and a full skeleton of an unknown man buried at St. Mary’s church. And, in a new portion of the exhibition displays a nearly thousand-year-old unique Guddal garment which is highly valuable due to its extreme rarity in intact condition.
On the second floor, there is a temporary exhibit concerning King Magnus the Lawmender of Norway who is most famous for presenting the centralized Laws of the Land which replaced the old provincial laws. And, in great detail, this floor describes the creation and contents of the Laws of the Land which took place in Bergenhus fortress, residing in the largest populated and trade-rich city of 13th century Norway. The section that relates most to our course Gender Equality in Norway is Land Redemption because of the substantial increase in rights women were given. For example, all women were guaranteed a portion of their families’ estate. But, even though brothers were promised twice as much, allodial land followed the direct family line meaning that if a daughter lacked living brothers all land could be acquired. Furthermore, this was very significant in the context of the Middle Ages because Women’s ability to inherit property enhanced their societal status, particularly among the upper classes. Additionally, Magnus’s laws of succession emulate Norway’s monarchy today. In the Laws of the Land, the right to succession was extended to the daughter if he had no sons which meant that Norway could have had a queen regnant as early as the 14th century. But, female succession was abolished soon after his reign and was only reinstated in 1990 meaning that one day Norway’s current Princess Ingrid Alexandra could become Norway’s queen regnant.
Finally, the second floor contained many additional artifacts unrelated to the laws. Some objects that caught my attention were multiple statues of St. Olav, the eternal king of Norway, who our college was named after. Also, numerous swords, knives, and axes dating as far back as the 12th century were displayed in surprisingly excellent condition as well as a portal door from Urnes stave church. This door symbolized the door to the kingdom of god and was a place where oaths were taken in front of witnesses. Furthermore, passing through the portal meant one stood on holy ground and was declared a sinner before the son of God.
Overall, the Bryggens Museum showcases Bergen’s rich and important history through various artifacts and texts. And, it enables visitors to connect to the everyday lives of medieval people through modern archeological and historical research.