Christianisation in Scandinavia began as early as the 5th and 6th centuries, yet it seems to have gained its place in Sweden only in the 11th-12th centuries. Thus, the symbols of Christian crosses that travelled from the Byzantine Empire through Kievan Rus to Birka seem to be among those that belong to the culture of the Norsemen as an accessory and status symbol of "modern early medieval man" rather than an expression of true faith in the Crucified Christ.

Crosses in the Viking Age can be found in Birka in huge numbers. Birka was a trading centre on the route between Scandinavia, Kievan Rus and Byzantium. As one of the first settlements in Sweden, it became a centre for controlling trade and for the expeditions of warriors and traders discovering new trade routes. Furs, bronze, walrus tusks, antlers, amber and honey were common trade items here. As a result of barter trade, everything from Byzantine jewellery decorated with granulation, silk and brocades, and even the famous Buddha statues from India can be found here. It is therefore necessary to distinguish which of the jewels are exceptional finds that came to Birka through trade or jewels that were sought after and domesticated. For example, the piles of Arab dirhams which speak very clearly of trade with the Arab world and these jewels could be called a very popular import item.

Größe, Gewicht: 5 x 4,2 cm, 11 g

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