Notes on the Battle of Visby (1361)

Overview

• Date: July 27, 1361
• Location: Isle of Gotland, fortified city of Visby
• Context: Militia stands against Danish and German mercenaries; pivotal battle in Gotland's history.

Archaeological Investigation

• International archaeologists are examining the largest mass grave from a medieval battle.
• Focus on understanding who fought, their armor, and their sacrifices.
• Mass graves discovered outside the walls of Visby in 1905 and later in 1928.
• Over 1,100 skeletons found in total, making it a significant archaeological site.

Historical Context

• Gotland was a wealthy hub for trade and commerce during the medieval period.
• The 1360s marked a transition in Gotland's history, leading to its decline after the battle.
• King Valdemar IV of Denmark invaded with a large army; Gotlanders had no standing army and formed a militia.
• Gotlanders were pushed back to Visby, where they made their last stand.

The Last Stand

• Visby defenses were strong, but the militia was not allowed entry by the townspeople.
• Resulted in a tragic situation where the militia faced the Danish army outside the city walls.
• The militia consisted of farmers, old, infirm, and young individuals.

Archaeological Findings

• Evidence of armor found with skeletons indicates they were buried in their battle gear.
• Armor types included coats of plates and lamella; significant for understanding medieval military evolution.
• Some skeletons showed signs of trauma and weapon injuries, including cuts to the legs and skull.

Conditions of Burials

• Bodies were rapidly buried, sometimes with valuable items left intact.
• The reasons for leaving armor on the corpses include heat, disease, or lack of manpower.
• Possible explanations for the choice of burial practices and quick interments.

Insights from Osteoarchaeology

• Osteoarchaeologists are studying skeletal remains to reconstruct lives of the individuals.
• Injuries indicate the brutality of the battle; many suffered traumatic wounds from swords and blunt weapons.
• Key findings show a pattern of lower leg injuries, implying tactical strategies used by the Danish army.

Social and Economic Impact

• The battle resulted in a significant socio-political change; Gotland's wealth shifted to Danish control.
• The findings emphasize the tragedy of the militia's sacrifice and the rapid transformation in Gotland's status.

Conclusion

• The excavation and analysis of the Visby mass graves yield valuable insights into medieval warfare, social structures, and the human cost of conflict.
• Continued research is crucial for understanding the events of 1361 and their aftermath.