Historical Capitals of the World

Oslo

Country: Norway

Region: Europe

Period: 1299-present

Location: 59.913333°N, 10.738889°E

Description

Oslo, located at the head of the Oslofjord, traces its early roots to the Viking Age and was part of the Kingdom of Viken—a Norse petty kingdom encompassing parts of modern southeastern Norway and southwestern Sweden. The area was a strategic and fertile coastal region, inhabited by seafaring Norse tribes.

Modern Remains

While few physical remains of the Kingdom of Viken era survive, parts of medieval Oslo, like the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral and Old Aker Church, reflect the city's early significance. Museums such as the Viking Ship Museum showcase artifacts from Oslo's Viking and early medieval past.

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