Reading and Writing in Medieval Bergen

Project summary

The project explores medieval runic literacy on the basis of runic inscriptions from Bryggen in Bergen. Bryggen inscriptions form an important authentic source material, well known both in the Norwegian as well as the international context. The project places emphasis upon the analysis of types and stages of writing and reading as well as various textual-cultural practices that the runic inscriptions from Bryggen bear evidence to. In this manner the project will contribute to ongoing research into the nature of medieval literacy. The project will explore 'reading' and 'writing' as practical skills and theoretical concepts - in relation to their historical context. The project sees as its ambition to publish and mediate knowledge of the historically important Bryggen-material to the broader public, raising their awareness of the historical sides of reading, writing and runic literacy.