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*Sæheimr: Just a Settlement by the Sea? Dating, Naming Motivation and Function of an Iron Age Maritime Place Name in Scandinavia

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Abstract

Derivations of the maritime place name *Sæheimr—‘the settlement by the sea’—are known from 54 examples from different parts of Scandinavia. Traditionally, these are thought to describe merely a feature of the terrain that defined a site’s location by the sea, a fjord or a lake. Consequently, they have not been the focus of archaeological research. By analysing the sites’ topographical, archaeological-historical and onomastic settings, the theory developed in this article is that the derivations of the place name *Sæheimr denote outlying landing sites of central place complexes that were established in the Roman Iron Age and Migration Period. In this respect, the phenomenon fits with and supplements the traditional Scandinavian concept of the Iron Age central place complex, in which stereotypical place names denote specific central functions, in this case maritime activities such as landing, trading, seasonally practised crafts, and defence. Market functions and the long-term exchange of goods, in particular, are collaborated by many sources. Landing and trade seem to have been prominent activities at these sites, which also show a striking coincidence with far-reaching waterways of strategic and commercial significance. In contrast to place names denoting Viking Age and medieval harbours and maritime market places, there is a dearth of corresponding names for the early Iron Age. The place name *Sæheimr and its assumed eastern-Swedish counterpart Sätuna might fill this vacuum, and constitute a valuable tool for research and cultural heritage management regarding the identification of landing and trading sites established in the early Iron Age.

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Notes

  1. All numbers in square brackets correspond to entries in “Appendix”.

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Acknowledgements

I thank Berit Sandnes, Eli Johanne Ellingsve, Stefan Brink and my colleagues for helpful discussions during a workshop on place names, held at NTNU University Museum in 2017. However, I take full responsibility for the ideas presented in this paper. Additionally, I thank two anonymous peer-reviewers for useful comments, Elizabeth Ellen Peacock for checking the language, Magnar Mojaren Gran for help with the mapping in GIS, Peder Gammeltoft for sharing his map of the general distribution of names with the element -heim in Norway, Morten Søvsø, Ejvind Hertz, Astrid Skou Hansen and Torben Birk Sarauw for information about the finds material from the Danish sites, Sonja Marie Innselset for information from the archive at the University Museum of Bergen, and Ann-Charlott Pedersen for a refuge at Gløshaugen. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their patience in visiting scores of *Sæheimr sites together with me.

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  1. Department of Archaeology and Cultural History, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU University Museum, 7491, Trondheim, Norway

    Birgit Maixner

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Appendix: Place Names with Derivations of *Sæheimr in the Scandinavian Peninsula

Appendix: Place Names with Derivations of *Sæheimr in the Scandinavian Peninsula

Structure:

ID Place-name, country – province, municipality; 1 LP = Locational Principle number; 2 Name of waterbody; 3 Name of water system (length or volume); 4 Related name of water body; 5 Name of medieval church in the vicinity (distance); 6 Terrestrial fortification in the vicinity (distance); 7 Archaeological evidence within a 1 km radius

AskeladdenID:

The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage’s register of monuments and sites (Askeladden)

B:

University Museum of Bergen

C:

Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo

DKM:

De Kulturhistoriske Museer i Holstebro Kommune

F&F ID:

The Danish Agency for Culture and Palaces’ national register of sites and monuments (Fund og Fortidsminder)

ROM:

Roskilde Museum

SHM:

National Historical Museums, Stockholm

SKM:

Skanderborg Museum

T:

NTNU University Museum (Vitenskapsmuseet)

  1. [1]

    Sem, N – Trøndelag, Grong. 1 LP 4. 2 Namsen. 3 Namsen (230 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Sem Vestre (T 19628). Courtyard site Værem (750 m)

  2. [2]

    Sem, N – Trøndelag, Snåsa. 1 LP 8. 2 Snåsavatnet. 3 Snåsavassdraget (113 km), Snåsavatnet (42 km). 5 Vinje Romanesque stone church (0.9 km). 6 Hill fort Roaldsteinen (3 km). Beacon Bergsåsen (2 km)

  3. [3]

    Sem, N – Trøndelag, Steinkjer. 1 LP 8. 2 Snåsavatnet, Semselva, Lomsen. 3 Snåsavassdraget (113 km), Snåsavatnet (42 km). 4 Semselva. 6 Beacon Ulven (1.5 km). 7 Viking Age grave at Følling (T16078)

  4. [4]

    Sæheim, N – Trøndelag, Steinkjer. 1 LP 10. 2 Leksdalsvatnet, Figgja. 3 Figgja (51 km), Leksdalsvatnet (13 km), Trondheimsfjorden (126 km). 4 †Siemsvand. 6 Hill forts Korpsdalsberget (3 km), Johalla (4 km), Klingerhaugen (6 km)

  5. [5]

    Sem, N – Trøndelag, Steinkjer. 1 LP 10. 2 Leksdalsvatnet. 3 Figgja (51 km), Leksdalsvatnet (13 km), Trondheimsfjorden (126 km), 4 †Siemsvand. 6 Hill forts Korpsdalsberget (3 km), Johalla (4 km), Klingerhaugen (6 km)

  6. [6]

    Sem, N – Trøndelag, Verdal. 1 LP 3. 2 Trondheimsfjorden, Semsbekken. 3 Trondheimsfjorden (126 km). 5 Leklem medieval church site, first documented in 1533 (0.7 km). 6 Hill forts Åsakammen (4 km), Kverkilhaugen (5 km), Klinkerhaugen (6 km). 7 Roman Iron Age grave at Myr (T330-346). Viking Age stray find at Sem (T4159)

  7. [7]

    Siem, N – Trøndelag, Levanger. 1 LP 10. 2 Byavatnet, Byaelva. 3 Byaelva (12.5 km), Byavatnet (5.5 km), Trondheimsfjorden (126 km). 6 Beacon Våttåberget (2.3 km)

  8. [8]

    Sim, N – Trøndelag, Trondheim. 1 LP 10. 2 Jonsvatnet, Litlvatnet, Vikelva. 3 Vikelva (22 km), Jonsvatnet (11 km), Trondheimsfjorden (126 km). 6 Beacon Solemvåttan (3 km). 7 Viking Age grave and stray finds at Valset (T1386, T1667-1669, T15215)

  9. [9]

    Sim, N – Trøndelag, Skaun. 1 LP 10. 2 Laugen, Børselva. 3 Børselva (29 km), Laugen (3 km), Trondheimsfjorden (126 km). 4 †Sims-Vand. 5 Husby medieval church site, originally Romanesque stone church (2.3 km). 6 Hill fort Stensåsen (1.5 km). 7 Roman Iron Age stray find at Eidsmo (T27341). Viking Age grave (T18525) and stray finds (T27923, T27307) at Eidsmo

  10. [10]

    Siem, N - Møre og Romsdal, Rauma. 1 LP 5. 2 Gjerdsetvatnet, Hamrevågen, Rødvenfjorden. 3 Romsdalsfjorden (94 km). 5 Eid medieval church site (3.2 km). 7 Late Iron Age stray find at Siem (B4439). Viking Age grave at Gjerset (B4395)

  11. [11]

    [11]V Siem, N – Oppland, Lesja. 1 LP 9. 2 Lågen. 3 Vorma-lågen (348 km). 5 Hov (Lesja) medieval church site (2.6 km)

  12. [12]

    Siem, N – Oppland, Vågå. 1 LP 6. 2 Finna. 3 Finna (43 km)

  13. [13]

    Seime, N - Sogn og Fjordane, Gloppen. 1 LP 8. 1 Breimsvatnet, Storelva. 2 Breimsvassdraget (45 km). 5 Re/Breim medieval wooden church (1 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Seime (B16086). Viking Age grave at Seime (B11303)

  14. [14]

    Seim, N - Sogn og Fjordane, Vik. 1 LP 3. 2 Sognefjorden, Vikja. 3 Sognefjorden (205 km). 5 Tenol medieval church site (originally wooden church) (0,7 km). Hove Romanesque stone church (1 km). 7 Early Iron Age currency ring of gold (lost) at Seim. Roman Iron Age and Migration Period graves at Hove (B1494, B1563, B5551). Viking Age graves at Seim (B8102, B10412) and Vange (B6467)

  15. [15]

    Seim, N - Sogn og Fjordane. Vik. 1 LP 3. 2 Sognefjorden, Storelvi. 3 Sognefjorden (205 km). 5 Fresvik medieval wooden church, first documented in 1340 (0.3 km). 7 Roman Iron Age gold finger ring at Seim (C3816). Early Iron Age stray find at Skau (B11453). Early Iron Age grave at Bøtun (B6199). Migration Period graves at Bøtun (B8841) and Holum (B8045). Viking Age graves at Bøtun (B10472) and Holum (B8303). Viking Age stray find at Holum (B6847)

  16. [16]

    Seim, N - Sogn og Fjordane, Årdal. 1 LP 3. 2 Årdalsfjorden, Seimdalselvi. 3 Sognefjorden (205 km). 4 Seimdalselvi. 7 Viking Age grave at Seim (C1779-1783)

  17. [17]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Lindås. 1 LP 5. 2 Seimsfjorden, Seimsvatnet. 3 Lurefjorden (16 km). 4 Seimsfjorden, Seimsvatnet. 5 Seim medieval church site, originally a wooden church (0.1 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Seim (B7175). Viking Age graves at Ryland (B14218, B17404) and Votno (B3308)

  18. [18]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Bergen. 1 LP 5. 2 Arnavågen. 3 Sørfjorden (38 km), Hardangerfjorden (183 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Ytre Arna (B8649). Early Iron Age graves at Arna (B569) and Mjeldheim (B11482). Viking Age graves at Ytre Arna (B5924, B5800)

  19. [19]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Voss. 1 LP 8. 2 Seimsvatnet. 3 Vossovassdraget (82 km). 4 Seimsvatnet. 7 Iron Age grave at Seim (B1802)

  20. [20]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Voss. 1 LP 8. 2 Vangsvatnet. 3 Vossovassdraget (82 km). 5 Voss medieval stone church, 13th century (2 km). 7 Migration Period graves at Seim (B732-734, B1899), Lydvo (14491) and Kvåle (B9995). Viking Age grave at Raustad (B6225)

  21. [21]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Granvin. 1 LP 8. 2 Granvinsvatnet, Storelvi. 3 Granvinsvassdraget (22 km), Hardangerfjorden (183 km). 5 Granvin medieval wooden church (2.6 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Seim nedre (B5768, B5873, B6763). Early Iron Age settlement structures at Vassendafloten (Askeladden ID 108555). Viking Age graves at Seim øvre (B3460, B8635)

  22. [22]

    Seim, N –Buskerud, Hol. 1 LP 9. 2 Holsfjorden. 3 Åni (67 km). 5 Kyrudalen medieval church site, originally presumably wooden church (0.7 km). 7 Viking Age stray finds at Søndrol (C13326, C3353, C5354)

  23. [23]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Kvinnherad. 1 LP 3. 2 Kvinnheradsfjorden, Guddalselva. 3 Hardangerfjord (183 km). 5 Guddal medieval church site, originally wooden church (1.5 km). 7 Pre-Roman, Roman Iron Age and Migration Period graves at Seim (B4639), Segleim (B308-310), Holmedal (B6368), Skeie (B7427, B6136). Migration Period headland and settlement structures at Seim (Askeladden ID 136635). Early Iron Age boat house at Seim (Askeladden ID 107301). Viking Age graves at Seim (B6883, B7170), Seglheim (B5205) and Skeie (B17980, B863)

  24. [24]

    Seim, N – Hordaland, Odda. 1 LP 8. 2 Røldalsvatnet, Storelva. 3 Suldalsvassdraget (109.5 km). 5 Røldal medieval wooden church, 13th century (0.7 km). 7 Migration Period graves at Seim (B13141, B4982, B4984, B4985, B4987). Viking Age graves at Seim (B6705, B6718, B7019, C14009-14019, C14040, C23587, C54509)

  25. [25]

    Særheim, N – Rogaland, Klepp. 1 LP 10. 2 Frøylandsvatnet. 3 Orreåna (26 km). 5 Klepp medieval wooden church (2 km). 7 Roman Iron Age and early Iron Age graves at Særheim (S1518; C4920-4921; S3197). Migration Period stray find at Særheim (S7733). Viking Age grave at Særheim (S3962). Early Roman Period courtyard site Dysjane (1 km)

  26. [26]

    Søm, N - Vest-Agder, Kristiansand. 1 LP 1. 2 Kristiansandsfjorden. 3 Otra (245 km), Tovdalsvassdrag (143 km). 5 Oddernes Romanesque stone church, 12th century (2.5 km). 6 Hill fort Auglandsknuten (2 km)

  27. [27]

    Søm, N - Aust-Agder, Grimstad. 1 LP 1. 2 Skagerrak, Nidelva. 3 Arendalsvassdraget (209 km). 7 Migration Period grave at Møssevold (Askeladden ID 33172). Viking Age grave at Møssevold (Askeladden ID 33172)

  28. [28]

    Sem, N – Telemark, Notodden. 1 LP 8. 2 Heddalsvatnet, Heddøla. 3 Skiensvassdraget (270 km). 5 Ryen Sta. Maria (Heddal) medieval wooden church (2.3 km). 7 Early Iron Age stray find at Sem søndre (C53515). Merovingian Period and Viking Age graves at Sem nordre (C19214-19215, C19217, C54504)

  29. [29]

    Sem, N – Telemark, Skien. 1 LP 7. 2 Børsesjø. 3 Skiensvassdraget (270 km). 5 Gjerpen Romanesque stone church, 12th century (1.4 km). 6 Hill forts Knip (3.2 km), Rustadkollen (3.4 km), Kjempa (4.3 km). 7 Late Bronze Age/early Iron Age settlement at Grini (C56749). Viking Age graves at Grini (C23027, C23942, C25396). Merovingian Period and Viking Age stray finds at Grini (C Aks.nr. 2016/125, 2016/100)

  30. [30]

    Sem, N – Vestfold, Sandefjord. 1 LP 10. 2 Goksjø. 3 Goksjø (5 km), Storelva (42 km), Numedalslågen (352 km). 5 Sandar Romanesque stone church (4.5 km). 6 Hill forts Klavenes (1.8 km), Røvern (3.2 km), Hjertås (2.5 km). 7 Roman Iron Age grave at Sem (C13336-13342). Merovingian Period stray find at Sem (C24348)

  31. [31]

    Sem, N – Vestfold, Færder. 1 LP 5. 2 Oslofjorden. 3 Oslofjorden (107 km). 5 Nøtterøy Sta. Maria Romanesque stone church (1.5 km). 6 Hill forts Vardås (1.5 km), Høgås (3.3 km), Tjuvåsen (3.1 km). 7 More than 70 stray finds from late Roman Iron Age, Migration Period, Merovingian Period and Viking Age at Sem

  32. [32]

    Sem, N – Vestfold, Tønsberg. 1 LP 4. 2 Byfjorden, Aulielva. 3 Oslofjorden (107 km), Aulielva (42 km). 5 Sem St. Olav Romanesque stone church (2.5 km). 6 Hill forts Aker (2.6 km), Børjan (3 km), Smørbergåsen (3.2 km), Frestiåsen (3.3 km), Klepperås (3.9 km), Storås (4 km), Steingårdåsen (4.4 km), Lundskollen (5.4 km), Rånerødkollen (6.2 km). 7 About 25 stray finds from Late Roman Iron Age, Migration Period and Viking Age at Jarlsberg Hovedgård

  33. [33]

    Semb, N – Vestfold, Horten. 1 LP 5. 2 Borrevannet. 3 Borreelva (12 km), Oslofjorden (107 km). 5 Borre Romanesque stone church (2 km). 6 Hill forts Skånevetan (4.3 km), Borgåsen (3.9 km). 7 Early Iron Age cooking pits at Semb (C52483). Viking Age graves (C52481), stray finds and cooking pit (Askeladden ID228632) at Semb

  34. [34]

    Sem, N – Buskerud, Hurum. 1 LP 7. 2 Sandungen. 3 Sagenelva (19 km). 5 Hov (Hurum) Sta. Maria Romanesque stone church (2.5 km). 7 Early Iron Age grave at Rokkestad (C23276). Viking Age graves at Rokkestad (C23277, C23278, C23279, C23280)

  35. [35]

    Sem, N – Buskerud, Øvre Eiker. 1 LP 6. 2 Vestfosselva. 3 Vestfosselva (50 km), Drammensvassdraget (309 km). 5 Berg medieval church site, presumed originally a stone church (0.1 km). Haug Romanesque stone church (1.9 km). 6 Hill fort Brekkeborgen (5.6 km). 7 About 240 stray finds from late Roman Iron Age, Migration Period, Merovingian Period and Viking Age at Sem

  36. [36]

    Sem, N – Akershus, Asker. 1 LP 10. 2 Semsvannet, Askerelva. 3 Askervassdraget (17 km). 4 Semsvannet. 5 Asker Sta. Maria, St. Fabian and St. Sebastian Romanesque stone church (1.2 km). 6 Hill forts Skaugumåsen (380 m), Askeladden ID 68412 (1 km). 7 Viking Age grave (C1195) and stray find (C24226) at Sem. Viking Age graves at Vøien (C12582; C2422-C2431)

  37. [37]

    Sem, N – Oppland, Gjøvik. 1 LP 9. 2 Mjøsa, Vismunda. 3 Vismunda (46 km). 5 Biri medieval wooden church, 12th century (1.3 km). 7 Early Iron Age stray find at Berg (C35089). Viking Age stray find (C25285) at Sem and Viking Age graves at Berg (C4519-4520, C37245)

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    Seim, N – Hedmark, Sør-Odal. 1 LP 8. 2 Seimsjøen, Oppstadåa. 3 Oppstadåa (57 km), Storsjøen (43 km2), Glommavassdraget (620 km). 4 Seimsjøen. 5 Oppstad medieval church site (2.5 km). 6 Hill fort Varden (3 km). 7 Viking Age stray find at Seim (C12773)

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    Sem, S – Jämtland, Ås. 1 LP 8. 2 Storsjön, Åssjön. 3 Storsjön, (464 km2). 4 Semsån. 5 Ås medieval stone church (2.7 km). 6 Hill fort Öneberget (6.7 km). 7 Migration Period stray finds at Västersem (SHM 15265). Viking Age grave at Sem (SHM 12010)

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    Lilla Säm, Stora Säm, S – Dalsland, Dals-Ed. 1 LP 7. 2 Sämsjön. 3 Stora Le/Lesjön (70 km). 4 Sämsjön. 5 Nolby medieval church site (2.2 km). 6 Hill forts Borgekullen (3.7 km), Dødhaug (5 km)

  41. [41]

    Säm, S – Bohuslän, Tanum. 1 LP 5. 2 Sannäsfjorden, Skärboälven. 3 Sannäsfjorden (7 km), Skagerrak. 4 †Sämsfjorden. 5 Tanum medieval church (2.8 km). 6 Hill fort Edsvik (2.6 km)

  42. [42]

    Säm, S – Bohuslän, Tanum. 1 LP 9. 2 Södra Bullaresjön. 3 Södra Bullaresjön (20 km). 5 Naverstad medieval stone church (4.4 km). 6 Hill forts Olsborg (2.9 km), Borgås (3 km), Stengårdsberget (4.6 km), Slottsberget (6.4 km). 7 Migration Period graves at Säm (SHM 15718:1-2). Viking Age grave at Säm (SHM 15718:3)

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    Säm, S – Bohuslän, Tossene. 1 LP 1. 2 Kleveån. 3 Vikefjord (4 km), Skagerrak. 5 Tossene medieval church site (3.1 km). 6 Hill fort Keberget (2.6 km)

  44. [44]

    Säm, S – Bohuslän, Brastad. 1 LP 5. 3 Gullmarn (35 km). 5 Brastad medieval church site (3.2 km). 6 Hill fort Bergås (1 km)

  45. [45]

    Säm, S – Halland, Valinge. 1 LP 2. 2 Himleån. 3 Himleån (38 km). 4 Sämbosjön. 5 Välinge medieval church site (2.5 km). Gödestad medieval church site, 14th century (2.8 km). 6 Hill forts Kleven (2.6 km), Galgaberget (3.8 km), Grimåsaberget (5.3 km). Beacon Vården (4.4 km)

  46. [46]

    Säm, S – Halland, Asige. 1 LP 2. 2 Suseån. 3 Suseån (31 km). 5 Asige medieval stone church, 12th century (1.3 km). 6 Hill fort Kungsbjär (2.3 km)

  47. [47]

    Säm, S – Västergötland, Norra Säm. 1 LP 10. 2 Sämsjön. 3 Vimleån (14 km), Nossan (100 km). 4 Sämsjön. 5 Norra Säm medieval stone church, 13th century (0.3 km). Hov Romanesque stone church (2.7 km)

  48. [48]

    Säm, S – Västergötland, Södra Säm. 1 LP 8. 2 Sämsjön. 3 Sämån (19 km). 4 Sämsjön, Sämån. 5 Södra Säm medieval stone church (0.6 km). 6 Hill fort Hulared (7.8 km)

  49. [49]

    Semb, DK – Mid-Jutland (Midtjylland), Struer. 1 LP 5. 2 Limfjorden. 3 Limfjorden (180 km). 5 Hvidbjerg medieval stone church, 12th century (0.9 km). 7 Viking Age stray find at Semb Vestergård (DKM 20.796 x1). Iron Age pit houses at Semb (F&F ID 110607-169)

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    Siem. DK – Northern Jutland, Rebild. 1 LP 6. 2 Skibsted-Lyngby Å. 3 Skibsted-Lyngby Å (30 km). 5 Siem Romanesque stone church, 12th century (0.2 km). 7 Probable early Iron Age votive deposit at Siem (F&F ID 120308-3). Viking Age hoard at Siem (F&F ID 120308-4)

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    Sem, DK – Northern Jutland, Mariagerfjord. 1 LP 6. 2 Kastbjerg Å. 3 Kastbjerg Å and Skals Å (65 km). 4 Sem Sø. 5 Sem medieval stone church (0.2 km). 6 Hill fort Ousgård Vold (F&F ID 140708-20) (1 km). 7 Early Iron Age grave at Sem (F&F ID 140708-2). Early Iron Age votive deposit at Sem mose (F&F ID 140708-42). Late Roman Iron Age votive deposit at Kastbjerg Å (F&F ID 140403-22). Stone Age, Iron Age and Viking Age stone- and wood-built pathes at Enslev (F&F ID140403-26).

  52. [52]

    Siim, DK – Central Jutland, Skanderborg. 1 LP 9. 2 Ry Møllesø. 3 Gudenå (158 km). 5 Dover Romanesque stone church (3 km). 6 Assumed beacon Bavnehøj (1.8 km). 7 Pre-roman Iron Age and early Roman Iron Age settlement structures (F&F ID 160203-213) and Roman Iron Age buildings at Sim (F&F ID 160203-216, 160203-220). Early Iron Age graves at Siim (F&F ID 160203-214, 160203-215). Merovingian Period stray find at Brunhøjvej, Ry (F&F ID 160203-213, SKM 80/72). Viking Age causeway at Holmen (F&F ID 160405-144)

  53. [53]

    Seem, DK – Central Jutland, Esbjerg. 1 LP 2. 2 Ribe Å. 3 Ribe Å (71 km). 5 Seem medieval stone church, 12th/13th century (0.7 km). 7 Roman Iron Age and Migration Period stray finds at Seem (F&F ID 190410-98). Roman Iron Age grave finds and settlement at Seem (F&F ID 190410-61, ID 190410-64). Merovingian Period and Viking Age stray finds at Seem (F&F ID 190410-98)

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    †Sæm, DK – Zealand, Roskilde. 1 LP 3. 2 Roskilde Fjord. 3 Roskilde Fjord (41 km). 5 Roskilde Cathedral, 11th century (0.6 km). 7 Late Viking Age stray find (ROM 1678). Viking Age stray find, probable grave, at Roskilde Cathedral (F&F ID 20410-1)

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Maixner, B. *Sæheimr: Just a Settlement by the Sea? Dating, Naming Motivation and Function of an Iron Age Maritime Place Name in Scandinavia. J Mari Arch 15, 5–39 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11457-019-09250-z

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