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{{Short description|Swedish archaeologist (1888–1971)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox academic
{{Infobox academic
| honorific_prefix = <!-- see [[MOS:CREDENTIAL]] and [[MOS:HONORIFIC]] -->
| honorific_prefix = <!-- see [[MOS:CREDENTIAL]] and [[MOS:HONORIFIC]] -->
| name = Birger Nerman
| name = Birger Nerman
| honorific_suffix =
| honorific_suffix =
| image = Birger Nerman.jpg
| image = Birger Nerman.jpg
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| caption = Nerman in the 1920s
| alt =
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| native_name =
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| birth_name = <!-- use only if different from full/othernames -->
| native_name_lang =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1888|10|6|df=yes}}
| birth_name = <!-- use only if different from full/othernames -->
| birth_place = [[Norrköping]], Sweden
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1888|10|6|df=yes}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1971|8|22|1888|10|6|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Norrköping]], Sweden
| death_place = [[Stockholm]], Sweden
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1971|8|22|1888|10|6|df=yes}}
| other_names =
| death_place = [[Stockholm]], Sweden
| death_cause =
| occupation =
| period =
| nationality = Swedish
| citizenship =
| known_for =
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| boards = <!--board or similar positions extraneous to main occupation-->
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| spouse = {{Plainlist|
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| boards = <!--board or similar positions extraneous to main occupation-->
| spouse = {{Plainlist|
* {{marriage |Zelma Nerman|1932 }}
* {{marriage |Zelma Nerman|1932 }}
}}
}}
| partner =
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| education =
| alma_mater = {{Plainlist|
| education =
* [[Uppsala University]] (PhD)
| alma_mater = {{Plainlist|
* [[Uppsala University]]
}}
}}
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| era =
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| discipline = {{Plainlist|
| discipline = {{flatlist|
* [[Archaeology]]
* [[Archaeology]]
* history
* [[History]]
* [[Philology]]
* [[philology]]
}}
}}
| sub_discipline =
| sub_discipline =
| workplaces = {{Plainlist|
| workplaces = {{Plainlist|
* Uppsala University
* Uppsala University
* [[University of Dorpat]]
* [[University of Dorpat]]
* [[Swedish History Museum]]
* [[Swedish History Museum]]
}}
}}
| doctoral_students = <!--only those with WP articles-->
| doctoral_students = <!--only those with WP articles-->
| notable_students =
| notable_students =
| main_interests = Sweden and the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] in the [[Iron Age]]
| main_interests = Sweden and the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] in the [[Iron Age]]
| notable_works =
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}}
}}
'''Birger Nerman''' (6 October 1888 – 22 August 1971) was a [[Sweden|Swedish]] philologist, archaeologist, historian, author and civic leader best known for his pioneering research on the archaeology of [[Iron Age]] Sweden and the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]].
'''Birger Nerman''' (6 October 1888{{spnd}}22 August 1971) was a Swedish [[archaeologist]], historian and [[philologist]] who specialized in the history and culture of [[Iron Age]] Sweden.

Nerman was educated at [[Uppsala University]], where he began his career as a lecturer in [[Nordic philology]]. He participated in archaeological excavations on [[Stone Age]] and Iron Age Sweden, and became noted for his efforts to combine archaeological and philological evidence. Areas investigated by Nerman include [[Gamla Uppsala]] and [[Gotland]].

From 1923 to 1925, Nerman was professor of archaeology at the [[University of Dorpat]], during which he made contributions to the development of archaeology in Estonia. In subsequent years, he conducted excavations at [[Grobiņa]] and other places, with the aim of investigating relations between Sweden and the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] in the Iron Age.

Nerman was director of the [[Swedish History Museum]] from 1938 to 1954, during which he organized several exhibitions on Swedish history. He was a Swedish nationalist who opposed both [[Nazism]] and [[Communism]], and a noted advocate for the independence of the [[Baltic states]]. Nerman was the author of several scholarly works on Iron Age archaeology, and popular works on the culture and history of early Sweden.


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Birger Nerman was born in [[Norrköping]], Sweden, on 6 October 1888.<ref name="Sternquist">{{cite book |last1=Stjernquist |first1=Berta |author-link1=:sv:Berta Stjernquist |year=1987 |chapter=Birger Nerman |chapter-url=https://sok.riksarkivet.se/Sbl/Presentation.aspx?id=8838 |title=[[:sv:Svenskt biografiskt lexikon|Svenskt biografiskt lexikon]] |language=sv |volume=26 |page=528 }}</ref> He was the son of Janne Nerman, a bookseller, and Ida Nordberg.<ref name="Karling">{{cite news |last1=Karling |first1=Sten |author-link1=:sv:Sten Karling |date=24 August 1971 |title=Birger Nerman död |trans-title=Birger Nerman is dead |url=https://paperarchive-prod.svd.se/1971/08/bib13434192_19710824_0_228_0013_large.jpg |language=sv |publisher=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |page=13 |access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114134128/https://paperarchive-prod.svd.se/1971/08/bib13434192_19710824_0_228_0013_large.jpg |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Birger Nerman was born in [[Norrköping]], Sweden on October 6, 1988.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} He was the son of Janne Nerman, a bookseller, and Ida Nordberg.{{sfn|Karling|1971}}


Nerman became a student at [[Uppsala University]] in 1907, where he gained his [[PhD]] in 1913 with the dissertion ''Svärges hedna litteratur'', which was concerned with the [[Ynglingatal]].{{sfn|Karling|1971}} Among his professors at Uppsala were [[Knut Stjerna]], who left a strong influence on him.{{sfn|Baudou|2002|pp=81-82}}
Nerman became a student in [[philology]] at [[Uppsala University]] in 1907, where he gained his doctorate in 1913 with a dissertation entitled ''Svärges hedna litteratur'' (Sweden's Pagan Literature), which was concerned with the ''[[Ynglingatal]]''.<ref name="Karling"/> Among his professors at Uppsala were [[Knut Stjerna]], who left a strong influence on him.<ref name="Baudou">{{cite book |last1=Baudou |first1=Evert |author-link1=:sv:Evert Baudou |year=2002 |chapter=Nerman |chapter-url=https://db.degruyter.com/view/GAO/RGA_3933 |title=Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrgiAAAAQBAJ |language=de |volume=21 |publisher=[[Walter de Gruyter]] |pages=81–82 |isbn=3-11-01-7272-0 }}</ref> In studying [[Old English literature|Old English]] and [[Old Norse literature]], Nerman argued that works such as ''[[Beowulf]]'' contained traces from Swedish oral literature of the [[Migration Period]]. His dissertation was criticized by several philologists for its use of [[archaeological]] evidence. This criticism encouraged Nerman to focus more on archaeology rather than philology, although he throughout his remaining career would continue to advocate cooperation between the two disciplines.<ref name="Sternquist"/>


==Early career==
==Early career==
[[File:Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala (by Pudelek).JPG|upright=1.2|thumb|Royal [[mound]]s at [[Gamla Uppsala]], where Nerman conducted much of his early research. In his studies of early Sweden, Nerman sought to combine archaeological evidence from Gamla Uppsala with evidence from [[Old English literature|Old English]] and [[Old Norse literature]].<ref name="Sternquist"/> ]]
Together with Stjerna and later [[Oscar Almgren]], Nerman became increasingly involved in archaeological research on the Swedish [[Iron Age]]. By combining philological and archaeological evidence, Nerman sought to gain further insight into the history and culture of Iron Age Sweden. Nerman's work in this regard won him widespread acclaim among Swedish archaeologists, including [[Oscar Montelius]], and philologists. He participated in excavations at [[Gamla Uppsala]], [[Vendel]] and [[Adelsö]]. {{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} His excavations at Gamla Uppsala were carried out with [[Sune Lindqvist]].{{sfn|Baudou|2002|pp=81-82}} From 1914, Nerman became increasingly involved with archaeological excavations in [[Gotland]] and the [[Baltic states]]. The connection between these two areas during the Iron Age became a subject of great interest to him.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} Nerman's works on the archaeology of Iron Age Gotland, many of which were co-written with Almgren, have remained very influential.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}
Together with Stjerna and later [[Oscar Almgren]], Nerman became increasingly involved in archaeological research on the Swedish [[Stone Age]] and [[Iron Age]]. By combining philological and archaeological evidence, Nerman sought to gain further insight into the history and culture of Iron Age Sweden. His work in this regard was positively received by many Swedish archaeologists, including [[Oscar Montelius]], and philologists. He participated in excavations at [[Gamla Uppsala]], [[Vendel]] and [[Adelsö]].<ref name="Sternquist"/> His excavations at Gamla Uppsala were carried out with [[Sune Lindqvist]].<ref name="Baudou"/>


[[File:Hammars (I).JPG|upright=1.2|thumb|The [[Stora Hammars stone]] I of [[Gotland]]. Nerman is noted for his archaeological research on Iron Age Gotland.<ref name="Sternquist"/>]]
At Uppsala University, Nerman was appointed an assistant professor in 1917, and a [[docent]] in 1919.{{sfn|Karling|1971}} During this time Nerman lectured on Nordic philology, with particular focus on the [[saga]]s. He gained a [[:sv:filosofie licentiat|filosofie licentiat]] in prehistory in 1918.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}

From 1914, Nerman became increasingly involved with archaeological excavations in [[Gotland]] and the [[Baltic states]]. The connection between these two areas during the Iron Age became a subject of great interest to him.<ref name="Sternquist"/> His publications on the archaeology of Iron Age Gotland, many of which were co-written with Almgren, became standard works on the subject.<ref name="Sternquist"/>

At Uppsala University, Nerman was appointed an assistant professor in 1917, and a [[docent]] in 1919.<ref name="Karling"/> During this time he lectured on [[Nordic philology]], with particular focus on the [[saga]]s. He gained a {{ill|filosofie licentiat|sv}} in prehistory in 1918.<ref name="Sternquist"/>


==Research in the eastern Baltic==
==Research in the eastern Baltic==
From 1923 to 1925, Nerman was Professor of Archaeology at the [[University of Dorpat]], during which he laid the foundations for modern archaeology in [[Estonia]].{{sfn|Karling|1971}} Nerman's years at Dorpat would prove instrumental for his future scholarship. He conducted archaeological research at [[Izborsk]], Estonia in 1924.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} Combined with his duties at the university, Nerman wrote a number of works on Swedish history intended for a popular audience. In ''Sveaväldet'' (1923) and ''Det svenska rikets uppkomst'' (1925), he argued that the [[Swedes (Germanic tribe)|Swedes]] had a powerful state and engaged in extensive colonizing ventures in the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] as early as the [[Vendel Period]].{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}
From 1923 to 1925, Nerman was Professor of Archaeology at the [[University of Dorpat]], during which he laid the foundations for modern archaeology in Estonia.<ref name="Karling"/> His years at Dorpat would prove instrumental for his future scholarship. He conducted archaeological research at [[Izborsk]], Estonia, in 1924.<ref name="Sternquist"/>


Combined with his duties at the university, Nerman wrote a number of works on Swedish history intended for a popular audience. In ''En utvandring från Gotland och öns införlivande med Sveaväldet'' (1923) and ''Det svenska rikets uppkomst'' (1925), he argued that the [[Swedes (Germanic tribe)|Swedes]] had a powerful state and engaged in extensive colonizing ventures in the eastern [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] as early as the [[Vendel Period]].<ref name="Sternquist"/> Nerman was a Swedish nationalist, and several of his works should be understood not only as scholarly contributions, but also as manifestations of Nerman's patriotism.<ref name="Baudou"/>
In 1929–1930, Nerman led excavations at [[Grobiņa]], Latvia. The results of the excavations were published in ''Die Verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren Eisenzeit'' (1929). Nerman believed that Grobiņa had been founded as a [[Gutes|Gotlandic]] colony, and that it was identical to the town of [[Seeburg]] mentioned by [[Rimbert]] in [[Vita Ansgarii]]. The finds at Grobiņa encouraged Nerman to conduct further research at [[Apuolė]] and [[Wiskiauten]] in 1931.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}

In 1929–1930, Nerman led excavations at [[Grobiņa]], Latvia.<ref name="Sternquist"/> The results of the excavations were published in ''Die Verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren Eisenzeit'' (1929).<ref name="Sternquist"/> He believed that Grobiņa had been founded as a Swedish/[[Gutes|Gotlandic]] colony, and that it was identical to the town of Seeburg mentioned by [[Rimbert]] in [[Vita Ansgarii]].<ref name="Sternquist"/> Scandinavian burials examined by Nerman at Grobiņa have been dated to as early as 650 AD, and thus predate the Viking Age.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jones |first1=Gwyn |author-link1=Gwyn Jones (author) |year=1984 |title=A History of the Vikings |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD74bDG3O5oC |edition=2 |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |pages=241–243 |isbn=0-19-280134-1 }}</ref> The finds at Grobiņa encouraged Nerman to conduct further research at [[Apuolė]] and [[Wiskiauten]] in 1931.<ref name="Sternquist"/>


==Director of the Swedish History Museum==
==Director of the Swedish History Museum==
After his return from Dorpat, Nerman worked for the [[Swedish History Museum]], serving as its director from 1938 to 1954. He supervised the renovation of the museum building, and organized a number of successful exhibitions. He spent much efforts at making the collections at the museum as accessible to the public as possible. He combined his duties at the museum with engagements as a author and public speaker.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}
After his return from Dorpat, Nerman worked for the [[Swedish History Museum]], serving as its director from 1938 to 1954. He supervised the renovation of the museum building, and organized a number of successful exhibitions. Nerman spent much efforts at making the collections at the museum as accessible to the public as possible. He combined his duties at the museum with engagements as an author and public speaker.<ref name="Sternquist"/>


Nerman was very active in organizations working towards the preservation of Sweden's national heritage, serving as the secretary (1929–1939) and chairman (1939–1969) of the [[:sv:Svenska fornminnesföreningen|Swedish Antiquarian Society]]. From his days as a university professor in Estonia, Nerman held a strong fondness for the [[Baltic states]] and its peoples. He played a leading role in establishing the [[:sv:Baltiska institutet|Baltic Institute]], and was the founding Chairman of the [[:sv:Baltiska kommittén|Baltic Committee]]. He was a tireless advocate for the independence of the Baltic states and rights of [[Balts]] and [[Estonians]].{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} During [[World War II]], Nerman actively participated in [[anti-Nazi]] and [[anti-communist]] organizations.{{sfn|Baudou|2002|pp=81-82}}
Nerman was active in organizations working towards the preservation of Sweden's national heritage, serving as the secretary (1929–1939) and chairman (1939–1969) of the {{ill|Swedish Antiquarian Society|sv|Svenska fornminnesföreningen}}. From his days as a university professor in Estonia, he held a fondness for the Baltic states and its peoples. He played a leading role in establishing the {{ill|Baltic Institute (Sweden)|lt=Baltic Institute|sv|Baltiska institutet}}, and was the founding Chairman of the {{ill|Baltic Committee|sv|Baltiska kommittén}}. Nerman was an advocate for the independence of the Baltic states and rights of [[Balts]] and [[Estonians]].<ref name="Sternquist"/> During [[World War II]], he was a member of [[anti-Nazi]] and [[anti-communist]] organizations.<ref name="Baudou"/>


Nerman retired from the Swedish History Museum in 1954. After his retirement, he continued to author works on Swedish archaeology.<ref name="Sternquist"/>
==Last years==
Nerman retired from the Swedish History Museum in 1954. During his last years, he wrote a number of works of great importance on Swedish archaeology. Nerman died in [[Stockholm]] on 22 August 1971.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}} He was survived by two daughters and several grandchildren.{{sfn|Holmqvist|1971}}


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Nerman married Zelma Nerman on 21 January 1932.<ref name="Sternquist"/> He died in [[Stockholm]] on 22 August 1971.<ref name="Sternquist"/> Nerman was survived by two daughters and several grandchildren.<ref name="Holmqvist">{{cite news |last1=Holmqvist |first1=Wilhelm |author-link1=Wilhelm Holmqvist |date=24 August 1971 |title=Birger Nerman död |trans-title=Birger Nerman is dead |url=https://cached-images.bonnier.news/swift/kb-archive-dn-web/helbild-dagens-nyheter-tisdag-24-augusti-1971-sida-27_1950.jpeg |language=sv |publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |page=27 |access-date=26 August 2020 |archive-date=25 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925085020/https://cached-images.bonnier.news/swift/kb-archive-dn-web/helbild-dagens-nyheter-tisdag-24-augusti-1971-sida-27_1950.jpeg |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Nerman married Zelma Nerman on 21 January 1932.{{sfn|Stjernquist|1987|p=528}}


==Selected works==
==Selected works==
* {{cite book |year=1913 |title=Studier över Svärges Hedna Litteratur |url=https://archive.org/details/studierversvrges00nerm/mode/2up |location=Uppsala |publisher=K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri }}
* ''Studier över Svärges hedna litteratur'' (1913)
* {{cite book |year=1913 |title=Vilka konungar ligga i Uppsala Högar? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fcCezQEACAAJ |location=Uppsala |publisher=K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri }}
* ''Die Herkunft und die frühesten Auswanderungen der Germanen'' (1924)
* {{cite book |year=1914 |title=Svärges älsta konungalängder som källa för svensk historia |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/011223089 |location=Uppsala |publisher=K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri }}
* ''Die verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren eisenzeit'' (1929)
* {{cite book |year=1922 |title=Det forntida Stockholm |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n4NAAAAAIAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=V. Petterson }}
* {{cite journal | ref = harv | last = Nerman | first = Birger | date = 1932 | title = The Grobin Finds' Evidence of the First Incorporation of Gotland Under the Svea Kingdom | journal = Acta Archaeologica | volume = III | pages = 157–167 | issn = 0065-101X }}
* (With Oscar Almgren) {{cite book |year=1923 |title=Die ältere Eisenzeit Gotlands |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h_WUnQEACAAJ |location=Stockholm |volume=1-2 |publisher=Ivar Haeggström }}
* ''Die Völkerwanderungszeit Gotlands'' (1935)
* {{cite book |year=1923 |title=En utvandring från Gotland och öns införlivande med Sveaväldet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6jY-ngEACAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Almqvist & Wiksell }}
* ''Gamla Upsala : Svearikets hjärtpunkt'' (1943)
* {{cite book |year=1924 |title=Die Herkunft und die frühesten Auswanderungen der Germanen |location=Stockholm |publisher=Akademiens Förlag }}
* ''Tiotusen àr i Sverige'' (1945)
* {{cite book |year=1925 |title=Det svenska rikets uppkomst |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UiYrzQEACAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Ivar Haeggström }}
* {{cite journal | ref = harv | last = Nerman | first = Birger | date = 1948 | title = Sutton Hoo – en svensk kunga- eller hövdinggrav? | journal = Fornvännen | volume = 48 | issue = 3 | pages = 65–93 | issn = 0015-7813 | url = http://samla.raa.se/xmlui/bitstream/handle/raa/1519/1948_065.pdf |language=sv}} {{open access}}
* {{cite book |year=1929 |title=Die verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren eisenzeit |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nUAxnQAACAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Akademiens Förlag }}
* {{cite journal | ref = harv | last = Nerman | first = Birger | date = 1953 | title = Ett hjälmfragment, sannolikt från mellersta Sverige | journal = Fornvännen | volume = 48 | pages = 123–124 | issn = 0015-7813 | url = http://samla.raa.se/xmlui/bitstream/handle/raa/1679/1953_123.pdf |language=sv}} {{open access}}
* {{cite book |year=1931 |title=The Poetic Edda in the Light of Archæology |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XxxPAQAAIAAJ |location=London |publisher=Viking Society for Northern Research }}
* ''Grobin-Seeburg; Ausgrabungen und Funde'' xii, 200 pages illustrations, 61 plates, maps. Stockholm, Almqvist & Wiksell (1958) {{OCLC|18565106}}
* {{cite book |year=1935 |title=Die Völkerwanderungszeit Gotlands |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D7fgAAAAMAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Verlag der Akademie }}
* {{Cite book | ref = harv | last = Nerman | first = Birger | title = Die Vendelzeit Gotlands (I:1): Text | series = Monographien Herausgegehen von der Kungliga Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien | volume = 55 | date = 1975 | publisher = Almqvist & Wiksell | location = Stockholm | isbn = 91-7402-016-1 }}
* {{cite book |year=1941 |title=Sveriges rikes uppkomst |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sYsQAQAAIAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Skoglunds Bokförlag }}
* {{Cite book | ref = harv | last = Nerman | first = Birger | title = Die Vendelzeit Gotlands (II): Tafeln | series = Monographien Herausgegehen von der Kungliga Vitterhets Historie och Antikvitets Akademien | volume = 48 | date = 1969 | publisher = Almqvist & Wiksell | location = Stockholm }}
* {{cite book |year=1942 |title=Sveriges första storhetstid |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=37INAQAAIAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Skoglunds Bokförlag }}
* {{cite book |year=1943 |title=Gamla Upsala: Svearikets hjärtpunkt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yw5XAAAAMAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Skoglunds Bokförlag }}
* {{cite book |year=1943 |title=Tiotusen år i Sverige |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4rIAxAEACAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Statens Historiska Museum }}
* {{cite book |year=1945 |title=När Sverige kristnades |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s8xCAAAAIAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Skoglunds Bokförlag }}
* {{cite book |year=1956 |title=Balticum skall leva! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZE9EAAAAIAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Natur och Kultur }}
* {{cite book |year=1969 |title=För Balticums frihet |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hPEgAQAAMAAJ |location=Stockholm |publisher=Baltiska kommittén }}
* {{cite book |year=1975 |title=Die Vendelzeit Gotlands: Text |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TGQQyAEACAAJ |location=Stockholm |volume=1 |publisher=Almqvist & Wiksell |isbn=9789174020168 }}
* {{cite book |year=1969 |title=Die Vendelzeit Gotlands: Tafeln |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q_r4QgAACAAJ |location=Stockholm |volume=2 |publisher=Almqvist & Wiksell }}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Hector Munro Chadwick]]
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Stig Wikander]]
* [[Eric Oxenstierna]]
* [[Anders Kaliff]]
* [[Sophus Bugge]]
* [[Magnus Olsen]]
* [[Gudmund Schütte]]
* [[Vilhelm Grønbech]]
* [[Jan de Vries (philologist)]]
* [[Jan de Vries (philologist)]]
* [[Rudolf Much]]
* [[Herbert Jankuhn]]
* [[Herbert Jankuhn]]
* [[Anders Kaliff]]
* [[Gustaf Kossinna]]
* [[Gustaf Kossinna]]
* [[Francis Owen (philologist)]]
* [[Magnus Olsen]]
* [[Hector Munro Chadwick]]
* [[Eric Oxenstierna]]
* [[Gabriel Turville-Petre]]
* [[Gudmund Schütte]]
{{Div col end}}

==Citations==
{{Reflist|2}}


==Sources==
==References==
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* {{cite book |last1=Baudou |first1=Evert |author-link1=:sv:Evert Baudou |display-authors= |translator-last1= |translator-first1= |translator-link1= |date= |year=2002 |orig-year= |chapter=Nerman |trans-chapter= |chapter-url=https://db.degruyter.com/view/GAO/RGA_3933 |editor1-last= |editor1-first= |editor1-link= |display-editors= |title=Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde |trans-title= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrgiAAAAQBAJ |series= |language=German |volume=21 |edition= |location= |publisher=[[Walter de Gruyter]] |page= |pages=81–82 |at= |doi= |isbn=3-11-01-7272-0 |issn= |jstor= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |quote= }}
* {{cite book |last1=Stjernquist |first1=Berta |author-link1=:sv:Berta Stjernquist |display-authors= |translator-last1= |translator-first1= |translator-link1= |date= |year=1987 |orig-year= |chapter=Birger Nerman |trans-chapter= |chapter-url=https://sok.riksarkivet.se/Sbl/Presentation.aspx?id=8838 |editor1-last= |editor1-first= |editor1-link= |display-editors= |title=[[:sv:Svenskt biografiskt lexikon|Svenskt biografiskt lexikon]] |trans-title= |url= |series= |language=Swedish |volume=26 |edition= |location= |publisher= |page=528 |pages= |at= |doi= |isbn= |issn= |jstor= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |quote= }}
* {{cite news |last1=Karling |first1=Sten |author-link1=:sv:Sten Karling |date=24 August 1971 |year= |title=Birger Nerman död |trans-title=Birger Nerman is dead |url=https://paperarchive-prod.svd.se/1971/08/bib13434192_19710824_0_228_0013_large.jpg |url-status= |editor1-last= |editor1-first= |editor1-link= |department= |work= |type= |series= |language=Swedish |volume= |issue= |others= |edition= |location= |publisher=[[Svenska Dagbladet]] |agency= |page=13 |pages= |at= |doi= |isbn= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=26 August 2020 |via= |quote= }}
* {{cite news |last1=Holmqvist |first1=Wilhelm |author-link1=Wilhelm Holmqvist |date=24 August 1971 |year= |title=Birger Nerman död |trans-title=Birger Nerman is dead |url=https://cached-images.bonnier.news/swift/kb-archive-dn-web/helbild-dagens-nyheter-tisdag-24-augusti-1971-sida-27_1950.jpeg |url-status= |editor1-last= |editor1-first= |editor1-link= |department= |work= |type= |series= |language=Swedish |volume= |issue= |others= |edition= |location= |publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |agency= |page=27 |pages= |at= |doi= |isbn= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=26 August 2020 |via= |quote= }}
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[[Category:Writers on Germanic paganism]]
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[[Category:20th-century archaeologists]]
[[Category:20th-century archaeologists]]
[[Category:20th-century philologists]]

Latest revision as of 00:30, 22 August 2024

Birger Nerman
Nerman in the 1920s
Born(1888-10-06)6 October 1888
Norrköping, Sweden
Died22 August 1971(1971-08-22) (aged 82)
Stockholm, Sweden
Spouse
Zelma Nerman
​
(m. 1932)​
Academic background
Alma mater
Academic work
Discipline
Institutions
Main interestsSweden and the eastern Baltic in the Iron Age

Birger Nerman (6 October 1888 – 22 August 1971) was a Swedish archaeologist, historian and philologist who specialized in the history and culture of Iron Age Sweden.

Nerman was educated at Uppsala University, where he began his career as a lecturer in Nordic philology. He participated in archaeological excavations on Stone Age and Iron Age Sweden, and became noted for his efforts to combine archaeological and philological evidence. Areas investigated by Nerman include Gamla Uppsala and Gotland.

From 1923 to 1925, Nerman was professor of archaeology at the University of Dorpat, during which he made contributions to the development of archaeology in Estonia. In subsequent years, he conducted excavations at Grobiņa and other places, with the aim of investigating relations between Sweden and the eastern Baltic in the Iron Age.

Nerman was director of the Swedish History Museum from 1938 to 1954, during which he organized several exhibitions on Swedish history. He was a Swedish nationalist who opposed both Nazism and Communism, and a noted advocate for the independence of the Baltic states. Nerman was the author of several scholarly works on Iron Age archaeology, and popular works on the culture and history of early Sweden.

Early life and education

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Birger Nerman was born in Norrköping, Sweden, on 6 October 1888.[1] He was the son of Janne Nerman, a bookseller, and Ida Nordberg.[2]

Nerman became a student in philology at Uppsala University in 1907, where he gained his doctorate in 1913 with a dissertation entitled Svärges hedna litteratur (Sweden's Pagan Literature), which was concerned with the Ynglingatal.[2] Among his professors at Uppsala were Knut Stjerna, who left a strong influence on him.[3] In studying Old English and Old Norse literature, Nerman argued that works such as Beowulf contained traces from Swedish oral literature of the Migration Period. His dissertation was criticized by several philologists for its use of archaeological evidence. This criticism encouraged Nerman to focus more on archaeology rather than philology, although he throughout his remaining career would continue to advocate cooperation between the two disciplines.[1]

Early career

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Royal mounds at Gamla Uppsala, where Nerman conducted much of his early research. In his studies of early Sweden, Nerman sought to combine archaeological evidence from Gamla Uppsala with evidence from Old English and Old Norse literature.[1]

Together with Stjerna and later Oscar Almgren, Nerman became increasingly involved in archaeological research on the Swedish Stone Age and Iron Age. By combining philological and archaeological evidence, Nerman sought to gain further insight into the history and culture of Iron Age Sweden. His work in this regard was positively received by many Swedish archaeologists, including Oscar Montelius, and philologists. He participated in excavations at Gamla Uppsala, Vendel and Adelsö.[1] His excavations at Gamla Uppsala were carried out with Sune Lindqvist.[3]

The Stora Hammars stone I of Gotland. Nerman is noted for his archaeological research on Iron Age Gotland.[1]

From 1914, Nerman became increasingly involved with archaeological excavations in Gotland and the Baltic states. The connection between these two areas during the Iron Age became a subject of great interest to him.[1] His publications on the archaeology of Iron Age Gotland, many of which were co-written with Almgren, became standard works on the subject.[1]

At Uppsala University, Nerman was appointed an assistant professor in 1917, and a docent in 1919.[2] During this time he lectured on Nordic philology, with particular focus on the sagas. He gained a filosofie licentiat [sv] in prehistory in 1918.[1]

Research in the eastern Baltic

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From 1923 to 1925, Nerman was Professor of Archaeology at the University of Dorpat, during which he laid the foundations for modern archaeology in Estonia.[2] His years at Dorpat would prove instrumental for his future scholarship. He conducted archaeological research at Izborsk, Estonia, in 1924.[1]

Combined with his duties at the university, Nerman wrote a number of works on Swedish history intended for a popular audience. In En utvandring från Gotland och öns införlivande med Sveaväldet (1923) and Det svenska rikets uppkomst (1925), he argued that the Swedes had a powerful state and engaged in extensive colonizing ventures in the eastern Baltic as early as the Vendel Period.[1] Nerman was a Swedish nationalist, and several of his works should be understood not only as scholarly contributions, but also as manifestations of Nerman's patriotism.[3]

In 1929–1930, Nerman led excavations at Grobiņa, Latvia.[1] The results of the excavations were published in Die Verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren Eisenzeit (1929).[1] He believed that Grobiņa had been founded as a Swedish/Gotlandic colony, and that it was identical to the town of Seeburg mentioned by Rimbert in Vita Ansgarii.[1] Scandinavian burials examined by Nerman at Grobiņa have been dated to as early as 650 AD, and thus predate the Viking Age.[4] The finds at Grobiņa encouraged Nerman to conduct further research at Apuolė and Wiskiauten in 1931.[1]

Director of the Swedish History Museum

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After his return from Dorpat, Nerman worked for the Swedish History Museum, serving as its director from 1938 to 1954. He supervised the renovation of the museum building, and organized a number of successful exhibitions. Nerman spent much efforts at making the collections at the museum as accessible to the public as possible. He combined his duties at the museum with engagements as an author and public speaker.[1]

Nerman was active in organizations working towards the preservation of Sweden's national heritage, serving as the secretary (1929–1939) and chairman (1939–1969) of the Swedish Antiquarian Society [sv]. From his days as a university professor in Estonia, he held a fondness for the Baltic states and its peoples. He played a leading role in establishing the Baltic Institute [sv], and was the founding Chairman of the Baltic Committee [sv]. Nerman was an advocate for the independence of the Baltic states and rights of Balts and Estonians.[1] During World War II, he was a member of anti-Nazi and anti-communist organizations.[3]

Nerman retired from the Swedish History Museum in 1954. After his retirement, he continued to author works on Swedish archaeology.[1]

Personal life

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Nerman married Zelma Nerman on 21 January 1932.[1] He died in Stockholm on 22 August 1971.[1] Nerman was survived by two daughters and several grandchildren.[5]

Selected works

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  • Studier över Svärges Hedna Litteratur. Uppsala: K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri. 1913.
  • Vilka konungar ligga i Uppsala Högar?. Uppsala: K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri. 1913.
  • Svärges älsta konungalängder som källa för svensk historia. Uppsala: K. W. Appelbergs Boktryckeri. 1914.
  • Det forntida Stockholm. Stockholm: V. Petterson. 1922.
  • (With Oscar Almgren) Die ältere Eisenzeit Gotlands. Vol. 1–2. Stockholm: Ivar Haeggström. 1923.
  • En utvandring från Gotland och öns införlivande med Sveaväldet. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell. 1923.
  • Die Herkunft und die frühesten Auswanderungen der Germanen. Stockholm: Akademiens Förlag. 1924.
  • Det svenska rikets uppkomst. Stockholm: Ivar Haeggström. 1925.
  • Die verbindungen zwischen Skandinavien und dem Ostbaltikum in der jüngeren eisenzeit. Stockholm: Akademiens Förlag. 1929.
  • The Poetic Edda in the Light of Archæology. London: Viking Society for Northern Research. 1931.
  • Die Völkerwanderungszeit Gotlands. Stockholm: Verlag der Akademie. 1935.
  • Sveriges rikes uppkomst. Stockholm: Skoglunds Bokförlag. 1941.
  • Sveriges första storhetstid. Stockholm: Skoglunds Bokförlag. 1942.
  • Gamla Upsala: Svearikets hjärtpunkt. Stockholm: Skoglunds Bokförlag. 1943.
  • Tiotusen år i Sverige. Stockholm: Statens Historiska Museum. 1943.
  • När Sverige kristnades. Stockholm: Skoglunds Bokförlag. 1945.
  • Balticum skall leva!. Stockholm: Natur och Kultur. 1956.
  • För Balticums frihet. Stockholm: Baltiska kommittén. 1969.
  • Die Vendelzeit Gotlands: Text. Vol. 1. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell. 1975. ISBN 9789174020168.
  • Die Vendelzeit Gotlands: Tafeln. Vol. 2. Stockholm: Almqvist & Wiksell. 1969.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Stjernquist, Berta [in Swedish] (1987). "Birger Nerman". Svenskt biografiskt lexikon (in Swedish). Vol. 26. p. 528.
  2. ^ a b c d Karling, Sten [in Swedish] (24 August 1971). "Birger Nerman död" [Birger Nerman is dead] (in Swedish). Svenska Dagbladet. p. 13. Archived from the original on 14 November 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Baudou, Evert [in Swedish] (2002). "Nerman". Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde (in German). Vol. 21. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 81–82. ISBN 3-11-01-7272-0.
  4. ^ Jones, Gwyn (1984). A History of the Vikings (2 ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 241–243. ISBN 0-19-280134-1.
  5. ^ Holmqvist, Wilhelm (24 August 1971). "Birger Nerman död" [Birger Nerman is dead] (in Swedish). Dagens Nyheter. p. 27. Archived from the original on 25 September 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
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