I’m wondering if there is enough interest from archaeologists within France to put pressure on the authorities and academic institutions to pursue possible Viking archaeological sites? Is there a political element involved, such as a preference for a preferred historical narrative that does not focus on “invaders” despite their contribution to the formation of what became France? Personally, I would be excited at the prospect of finding more evidence of the early medieval Scandinavian presence in my country – but I’m in Australia and far removed from what interests French archaeologists and historians with respect to that time period, and from any possible controversies that may result (though I doubt the Viking homelands would be lodging a land claim on territory that their antecedents likely wrested from existing tenants!) I guess I’m just curious as to whether or not there is sufficient motivation from within France itself to push for further investigation of this part of their nation’s history. - Kerry
That's a great question. I've talked about the lack of interest on the topic in France on the Vikingology podcast, which was true when I first started digging into this subject around 20 years ago. But it's changing. Especially in the last six or so years (starting about when I did my conferences in France) the attention and interest in Vikings has been steadily climbing, and so I am hopeful that once I am repatriated this coming year that I will find a niche and with my connections in the historical community, have an impact. We shall see!
I’m wondering if there is enough interest from archaeologists within France to put pressure on the authorities and academic institutions to pursue possible Viking archaeological sites? Is there a political element involved, such as a preference for a preferred historical narrative that does not focus on “invaders” despite their contribution to the formation of what became France? Personally, I would be excited at the prospect of finding more evidence of the early medieval Scandinavian presence in my country – but I’m in Australia and far removed from what interests French archaeologists and historians with respect to that time period, and from any possible controversies that may result (though I doubt the Viking homelands would be lodging a land claim on territory that their antecedents likely wrested from existing tenants!) I guess I’m just curious as to whether or not there is sufficient motivation from within France itself to push for further investigation of this part of their nation’s history. - Kerry
That's a great question. I've talked about the lack of interest on the topic in France on the Vikingology podcast, which was true when I first started digging into this subject around 20 years ago. But it's changing. Especially in the last six or so years (starting about when I did my conferences in France) the attention and interest in Vikings has been steadily climbing, and so I am hopeful that once I am repatriated this coming year that I will find a niche and with my connections in the historical community, have an impact. We shall see!