Unveiling the Early History of Ribe: A Historical Overview from AD 700 to AD 1100

**The Rich Legacy of Ribe: A Pivotal Trading Settlement in Jutland**

The town of Ribe, located on the northern bank of the river Ribe in south west Jutland, boasts a rich and fascinating history that spans over a millennium. Archaeological excavations conducted since the 1970s have significantly expanded our understanding of the site's evolution during the High Middle Ages.

**Early Evidence of Trade and Craftsmanship**

The archaeological findings from Ribe offer compelling evidence of specialized craftsmanship and extensive trade networks, placing it among the earliest Emporia in Europe. The presence of numismatic evidence demonstrates a well-established coin-based economy, underscoring the significance of Ribe as a major commercial hub.

**Unraveling Ribe's Early History**

This article aims to chart the course of Ribe's early history, focusing on the 400-year period from approximately AD 700 to AD 1100. We will delve into the archaeological discoveries, historical records, and contributions of esteemed researchers, including Hodges, Näsman, Steuer, and Sindbæk, to reconstruct a comprehensive narrative of the town's development during this pivotal era.