Publications
Storytelling about Shipwrecks and Scuttled Ships from the 17–19th Century in the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Naval Port of Karlskrona’ in Sweden
Scuttled ships, long dismissed for their perceived lack of archaeological value due to the absence of artefacts, play a crucial role in understanding and strengthening the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study focusing on the Naval Port of Karlskrona in Sweden demonstrates how storytelling about these shipwrecks can effectively engage interest and highlight their historical significance. By employing various narrative methods, researchers have shown that scuttled ships contribute significantly to discussions on cultural heritage preservation, usage, and development. This approach challenges traditional perceptions and underscores the importance of integrating such elements into broader heritage management strategies.
Pawning and pawners in the industrial era: evidence from Sweden, 1870 to 1950
A decline in pawnshop activity post-1910 is observed, yet loans maintained substantial value relative to daily wages, suggesting pawners were not severely impoverished. Analysis of ledgers from a Swedish naval town (Karlskrona) between 1880 and 1950 reveals seasonal pawning patterns, primarily involving military personnel and workers, with women accounting for 10–20% of transactions. Clothing, notably coats, dominated pawned items, with May emerging as the peak month, indicating seasonality over weekly trends.
Swedish Coastal Defence Over Four Centuries: War as a Changing Institution of International Society
Swedish coastal defense strategies evolved significantly over four centuries, shaped by changing norms and material factors such as geography, resources, and adversarial capabilities. This study reveals that Sweden's naval capacities developed in response to shifting understandings of war, reflecting broader institutional changes within international society. By analyzing sea power concepts, the research demonstrates how Sweden adapted its defense planning from the mid-17th century onward, offering a unique lens on the institutionalization of warfare. The findings highlight the interplay between normative shifts and tangible constraints, providing insights into the long-term dynamics of naval policy development.
The naval city of Karlskrona and its Jewish entrepreneurs
A unique social history emerges from Karlskrona, Sweden's naval city, revealing the pivotal role of Jewish entrepreneurs within its distinctive maritime environment. This study sheds light on how the Jewish parish of Karlskrona contributed to shaping perceptions and ideas in a Swedish iteration of the international naval city phenomenon. By analyzing historical records and community dynamics, the research uncovers the intersection of cultural, economic, and social factors that defined this coastal urban landscape during its formative years.
Qu’y avait-il de « moderne » dans les ports militaires de Suède aux XVII e et XVIII e siècles ? L’exemple de Karlskrona
The naval port of Karlskrona, Sweden, exemplifies the 'modern' transformation of 17th and 18th-century European military cities. This study reveals that Karlskrona acted as a unique 'hub,' where traditional urban structures clashed with innovative demands driven by Sweden's Baltic Sea ambitions. The research argues that this dynamic environment fostered new solutions in production, disease management, and state-burgher negotiations. By analyzing the relocation of inhabitants, construction of a naval base, and integration of Baltic trade networks, the study demonstrates how Karlskrona became a platform for groundbreaking urban development. This approach contrasts with conventional views of Early Modern cities, highlighting its role as a catalyst for change during Sweden's rise as a maritime power.
The Case of Fabian Philip, Karlskrona’s First Jewish Entrepreneur: A Swedish example of the Port Jews Phenomenon?
Karlskrona, Sweden's naval port, challenges historical perceptions by demonstrating successful Jewish integration contrary to past assumptions. This study reinterprets archival sources, including newly discovered ones, to argue that Karlskrona—alongside Gothenburg—served as a Swedish example of the 'Port Jews' phenomenon, where internationally oriented naval cities fostered Jewish entrepreneurship despite restrictive settlement laws. By adopting this concept, the research reveals that Karlskrona was not an unfriendly environment for Jews in early modern Sweden, as previously thought, but rather a hub for economic activity and cultural exchange within the Swedish Royal Navy's global network.
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