SIGTUNA

'Sigtuna' is a city in central Sweden in the metropolitan area of Stockholm. It has a population of 7,000 and is the namsesake of Sigtuna Municipality, even though the seat, Märsta, has 23,000 inhabitants.
Although less significant today, Sigtuna has an important place in Sweden's early history. The history of Sigtuna before the 11th century, as described in the Norse sagas and other early medieval sources, can be found in the article Old Sigtuna.

Contents

Geography

History

See also

References

Notes

External links

Geography

Sigtuna is situated at the bay Skarven, stretching around Upplands-Bro and a part of Lake Mälaren.

History

Sigtuna was founded on what was then the shore of Lake Mälaren about 1,000 years ago. It took its name from an ancient royal estate (see Uppsala öd) several kilometers to the west (see Fornsigtuna). Various sources claim King Eric the Victorious as founder while others claim King Olof Skötkonung.
It operated as a royal and commercial centre for some 250 years, and was one of the most important cities of Sweden. During a brief period at the end of the 10th and beginning of the 11th century, Sweden's first coins were minted here. The old church built in the 13th century by the Dominican order at the monastery still remains, and has had few restorations. The Dominican monastery played an important roll in the Swedish Middle Ages and produced many important Church officials. Among them, many Swedish archbishops. Many church and monastery ruins still stand, and the old city structure has not been remodelled, as happened in many Swedish cities during the 1800's and 1900's.
In 1187 Sigtuna was attacked by Baltic-Finnish raiders from Karelia, Couronia or Estonia. Among the casualties of this raid was the Swedish archbishop Johannes. It remained occupied for some time. This contributed to the diminishing of its commercial importance in the 13th century, in favor of Uppsala, Visby, Kalmar and Stockholm. [1]

The current coat of arms can be traced to the city's first known seal, dating from 1311. According to a legend (possibly inspired by the city arms) Sigtuna was once the Royal seat, but this can not be confirmed. The crown may also symbolize the large royal mint which was located in the city.
In the late 19th century, it still only hosted about 600 people, and was the smallest city in Sweden. The city remained insignificant until the second half of the 20th century.

See also

★ Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Läroverket, a famous boarding school.

References

★ article ''Sigtuna'' from Nordisk familjebok

Notes

#Raid on Sigtuna (1187)

External links

★ Sigtuna Municipality - Official site