Professor Kurt Villads Jensen from Stockholm University giving a welcome speech on the first day of the symposium.Photo: Anne Katrine Holm Pedersen

The symposium topics spanned from the production and utilization of household plants, canonical and ecclesiastical law, military organisation to having a mass song at the descent of Christ - with actual live singing!

The diversity of subjects was facilitated by the broad spectrum of researchers representing fields such as archeology, musicology, history, art history, and military history.

Despite originating from distinct academic disciplines, the researchers were united by the shared passion and interest in medieval Stockholm, which culminated in valuable presentations that gave food for thought during the three-day symposium.

In addition to the formal presentations, the symposium offered a variety of supplementary events. Notably, participants had the opportunity to partake in a guided city walk organized by the Medieval Museum. This tour was led by archaeologist Anna Bergman and museum educator Gudrun Wessnert, who provided an insightful exploration of Slussen. This area is notable for its fascinating archaeological excavations, including remnants from the Viking era and the formidable fortifications of Stockholm, constructed under the directive of Gustav Vasa in the 16th century.

Subsequently, the participants of the citywalk sought refuge from the autumn rain in the 14th-century Black Friars' Monastery shelter in Old Town, historically a sanctuary for pilgrims during the medieval period. Within the ancient cellar, Anna Bergman recounted the tale of Helga Lösen, a silver-plated altarpiece renowned for its miraculous powers, which drew numerous pilgrims. Whether the mere presence near the former location of the miracles of Helga Lösen was decisive for the pouring rain to stop shortly after the tour, only heaven knows.

Visit to the Black Friars' Monastery shelter in Old Town during the Medieval Symposium in Stockholm.Photo: Anne Katrine Holm Pedersen

In addition to offering a fair amount of food for thought, the symposium also provided food for the stomach. The first day concluded with an exceptional conference dinner, graciously hosted by the City Museum. Despite being held on the initial day of the symposium, it was evident that the presentations and topics had already made a significant impact on the attendees, as discussions from earlier seamlessly continued over the exquisite three-course meal.

The symposium effectively balanced formal presentations and discussions with informal social activities, such as the city walk, conference dinner, and networking opportunities. This combination facilitated a comprehensive environment for scholarly exchange. The structured sessions allowed participants to engage deeply with the various presentations and thoroughly discuss key points. Meanwhile, the informal settings provided a platform for interdisciplinary interaction, enabling attendees to share knowledge and experiences across different academic fields. This blend of professional and social engagement not only enriched the intellectual discourse but also fostered collaborative relationships, encouraging innovative approaches and perspectives in medieval studies. The synergy between formal and informal interactions underscored the value of interdisciplinary research, promoting a holistic understanding and appreciation of the complexities of medieval Stockholm.

The three-day symposium prompted numerous reflections and considerations. The diverse array of academic disciplines, along with their respective empirical and methodological approaches, fostered innovative thinking concerning source pluralism and interdisciplinary collaboration. This initiative was undertaken by several presenters, including Gabriela Bjarne Larsson from Stockholm University. Overall, the symposium challenged the occasionally conservative notion that certain types of empiricism are confined to specific academic disciplines. A truly inspiring symposium!

Text by Anne Katrine Holm Pedersen, exchange student from Aalborg University and intern at the Centre for Medieval Studies