Tags: Birka, Björkö, Sweden, UNESCO, Viking age
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Birka was an important trading center on the island of Björkö in Sweden during the Viking Age, which handled goods from Scandinavia as well as Central and Eastern Europe and the Orient. It was established during the 8th century and became an important international port for visitors from different places. It’s name was said to be derived from an old Norse word “birk” which means a market place. Birka, together with Hovgården has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and has been regarded as Sweden’s oldest town. Today. Birka and Hovgården are owned by the Swedish government and managed by the Swedish National Heritage Board.