Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir
Biographic Data
| ID | 83748 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Steinunn Kristjánsdóttir |
| GIVEN NAMES | Steinunn |
| FAMILY NAME | Kristjánsdóttir |
| SIGNATURE | KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR S |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Iceland |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-7524-8460 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 22 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 55 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 22 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2001 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
Microbes from Floor and Wall Layers at a Viking Age and Medieval Farm in Iceland Reveal Living Conditions, Human Respiratory Diseases and the Presence of Domestic Animals
DNA shed by living organisms can persist in the soil for thousands of years and provide valuable insights into past environments and human activities. The aim of this study is to add to our knowledge of people’s lives, health and living conditions and husbandry inside a turf house at the farm Skálanes, East Iceland, from the tenth to fifteenth centuries AD. The examination is performed through analysis of bacterial gene sequences of 16S ribosomal…
Beyond Isolation
Iceland has often been perceived as a society isolated from the rest of Europe owing to its location on an island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. This article challenges such interpretations by arguing that Iceland was neither inaccessible nor culturally remote. Rather than functioning solely as barriers, oceans can facilitate mobility and sustain interaction between societies across open seas. Material and literary sources demonstrate…
Saga, settlement and sediments at Helgafell, western Iceland
The Dissolution of the Monastic Houses in Iceland
The founding of the fourteen monasteries that operated for varying lengths of time in Iceland are in most cases known, but their dissolution differs. It is, however, known that none of them were closed due to plagues, natural disasters, or economic crises but rather because of administrative reasons. Five of the monasteries perished within a few decades; however, most of them perished because of political disputes between secular and ecclesiastic…
Ólöf the Rich and a Cloth from Svalbarð, Iceland
About fifteen illustrated cloths have been preserved from medieval times in Iceland. One of them is an antependium from Svalbarð church on Svalbarðsströnd. The embroidered iconography on it is believed to depict the story of John the Apostle, who was the patron saint of the Svalbarð church. Upon closer inspection, the cloth appears to have been cut from a larger cloth, most likely a wall-hanging, in order to be used as an antependium. Moreover, t…
The Abbesses of Iceland
The female monasteries that operated in Iceland during medieval times, Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Reynistaðarklaustur, are the largest- and longest-operating institutions run by women to ever exist in the country. The names of the abbesses-the leaders of the female monasteries, some of which led the monasteries for up to half a century-are known from written documents and material remains that describe the abbesses' diverse tasks and obligations whi…
The Potential of Palynology with Regard to the Archaeology of Medieval Monastery Sites in Iceland
In 2014, as part of the Kortlagning klaustur á Íslandi (Mapping Monasticism in Iceland) archaeological project, bulk samples retrieved from various archaeological sites associated with Icelandic monasticism were subsampled for pollen analysis. The objective was to discern something about the character of the past vegetation that surrounded the sites under archaeological investigation as well as to detect the presence of exotic pollen derived from…
The vegetation and land use histories of two farms in Iceland
Medieval Monasticism in Iceland and Norse Greenland
The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the monastic houses operated on the northernmost periphery of Roman Catholic Europe during the Middle Ages. The intention is to debunk the long-held theory of Iceland and Norse Greenland's supposed isolation from the rest of the world, as it is clear that medieval monasticism reached both of these societies, just as it reached their counterparts elsewhere in the North Atlantic. During the Middle …
At the world's edge
Objectives A multi‐isotope study was conducted on individuals buried at Skriðuklaustur monastery (AD 1493–1554) to investigate their geographic origins and dietary composition. Comparative material from individuals excavated from Skeljastaðir, an inland farm site was also analyzed. Materials and methods Bone collagen was extracted from 50 humans (Skriðuklaustur and Skeljastaðir) and 25 animals (Skriðuklaustur) and analyzed for δ 13 C, δ 15 N, and…
Hidden dangers? Investigating the impact of volcanic eruptions and skeletal fluorosis in medieval Iceland
Volcanic emissions are known to be a serious source of pollution to humans and animals. This study aimed to examine the possible health burden of fluoride (F) exposure from volcanic eruptions in the past. Osteological analyses were performed on 186 skeletons from seven sites across Iceland with the aim of identifying skeletal changes potentially associated with osteofluorosis. Additionally, ion selective electrode (ISE) was used to investigate po…
SEM analysis of an archaeological hair sample from East-Iceland and comparative samples from nine modern-day species of mammals from the region
Volcanoes, medicine, and monasticism
This study aimed to evaluate the possible use of mercury as a medical treatment at the medieval monastic hospital Skriðuklaustur (ad1494-1554) in eastern Iceland. The individuals excavated from Skriðuklaustur exhibited a wide range of pathological conditions, including the only skeletal evidence of venereal syphilis in Iceland. Skeletal remains from the Skeljastaðir cemetery (ca.ad1000-1104) in southern Iceland were also analysed in light of the …
Pollen, Plague & Protestants
Until recently, Icelandic monasticism has been considered remote from European monasticism and that it had little impact upon medieval Icelandic society. Focussing upon a monastic site in northern Iceland (Þingeyraklaustur), palaeoecological data is utilised to explore the role of Icelandic monasticism with regard to land use in order to discern whether or not the aforementioned conventions hold true. In particular, are changes in land use associ…
Lost Paths. Climate Changes and the Forgotten Route to Skriðuklaustur Monastery, Eastern Iceland
Anthropos , Seite 1 - 8
Becoming Christian
The diverse appearances of church buildings, iconography and altered burial practices have commonly been used to exemplify the expansion of Christianity in early medieval Europe. Less emphasis has been placed on how the common European dealt with the Christian transformation in daily life, perhaps because of the tendency in research to distinguish ritual actions from secular. To become Christian did not necessarily entail greater religiousness or…
The Icelandic medieval monastic garden - did it exist
In the multidisciplinary project presented here, 12 known monastic grounds in Iceland were surveyed by a group of medievalists from different fields in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The aim of the survey was to increase knowledge of the Icelandic monastic garden and of the plants that were known and used there; to look for possible medieval cultural relict plants; to observe continental influence on the island; and to vitalize discussion an…
The Poisoned Arrows of Amor
While syphilis spread rapidly in Europe during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, scholars have doubted that the disease reached Iceland at that time. Still, discoveries of nine cases of venereal and congenital syphilis during a recent excavation on a monastic site, Skriðuklaustur (1496–1554) in East Iceland, indicate that the disease became an epidemic there, as it did worldwide. These findings may also be regarded as an important source of…
Cases of hydatid disease in medieval Iceland
Eight individuals with calcified cysts preserved in the thorax and abdomen, one of which had a maximum diameter of 17-20 cm, were recovered during recent excavations at Skriðuklaustur, a medieval monastic site which also functioned as a hospital during its operation from AD 1493-1554 in Eastern Iceland. Hydatid cysts are the result of parasitic infection by Echinococci commonly in the liver and lungs of the accidental human host. Echinococcus gra…
The Tip of the Iceberg
Material objects from distant societies and cultures have long been an axis for archaeological research. In recent research, however, growing attention has been drawn to exploring simultaneously the conceptual meaning of material substances as the products of humans. The visual appearance of material is in this respect no more than the tip of an iceberg, where only a small part of something largely hidden is evident. In this article, Skriðuklaust…
Skriðuklaustur Monastery
An Icelandic medieval stave church made of drift timber
The Icelandic medieval monastic garden - did it exist
In the multidisciplinary project presented here, 12 known monastic grounds in Iceland were surveyed by a group of medievalists from different fields in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The aim of the survey was to increase knowledge of the Icelandic monastic garden and of the plants that were known and used there; to look for possible medieval cultural relict plants; to observe continental influence on the island; and to vitalize discussion an…
Cases of hydatid disease in medieval Iceland
Eight individuals with calcified cysts preserved in the thorax and abdomen, one of which had a maximum diameter of 17-20 cm, were recovered during recent excavations at Skriðuklaustur, a medieval monastic site which also functioned as a hospital during its operation from AD 1493-1554 in Eastern Iceland. Hydatid cysts are the result of parasitic infection by Echinococci commonly in the liver and lungs of the accidental human host. Echinococcus gra…
Volcanoes, medicine, and monasticism
This study aimed to evaluate the possible use of mercury as a medical treatment at the medieval monastic hospital Skriðuklaustur (ad1494-1554) in eastern Iceland. The individuals excavated from Skriðuklaustur exhibited a wide range of pathological conditions, including the only skeletal evidence of venereal syphilis in Iceland. Skeletal remains from the Skeljastaðir cemetery (ca.ad1000-1104) in southern Iceland were also analysed in light of the …
At the world's edge
Objectives A multi‐isotope study was conducted on individuals buried at Skriðuklaustur monastery (AD 1493–1554) to investigate their geographic origins and dietary composition. Comparative material from individuals excavated from Skeljastaðir, an inland farm site was also analyzed. Materials and methods Bone collagen was extracted from 50 humans (Skriðuklaustur and Skeljastaðir) and 25 animals (Skriðuklaustur) and analyzed for δ 13 C, δ 15 N, and…
The Poisoned Arrows of Amor
While syphilis spread rapidly in Europe during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, scholars have doubted that the disease reached Iceland at that time. Still, discoveries of nine cases of venereal and congenital syphilis during a recent excavation on a monastic site, Skriðuklaustur (1496–1554) in East Iceland, indicate that the disease became an epidemic there, as it did worldwide. These findings may also be regarded as an important source of…
The Tip of the Iceberg
Material objects from distant societies and cultures have long been an axis for archaeological research. In recent research, however, growing attention has been drawn to exploring simultaneously the conceptual meaning of material substances as the products of humans. The visual appearance of material is in this respect no more than the tip of an iceberg, where only a small part of something largely hidden is evident. In this article, Skriðuklaust…
Skriðuklaustur Monastery
The vegetation and land use histories of two farms in Iceland
Hidden dangers? Investigating the impact of volcanic eruptions and skeletal fluorosis in medieval Iceland
Volcanic emissions are known to be a serious source of pollution to humans and animals. This study aimed to examine the possible health burden of fluoride (F) exposure from volcanic eruptions in the past. Osteological analyses were performed on 186 skeletons from seven sites across Iceland with the aim of identifying skeletal changes potentially associated with osteofluorosis. Additionally, ion selective electrode (ISE) was used to investigate po…
Pollen, Plague & Protestants
Until recently, Icelandic monasticism has been considered remote from European monasticism and that it had little impact upon medieval Icelandic society. Focussing upon a monastic site in northern Iceland (Þingeyraklaustur), palaeoecological data is utilised to explore the role of Icelandic monasticism with regard to land use in order to discern whether or not the aforementioned conventions hold true. In particular, are changes in land use associ…
The Abbesses of Iceland
The female monasteries that operated in Iceland during medieval times, Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Reynistaðarklaustur, are the largest- and longest-operating institutions run by women to ever exist in the country. The names of the abbesses-the leaders of the female monasteries, some of which led the monasteries for up to half a century-are known from written documents and material remains that describe the abbesses' diverse tasks and obligations whi…
SEM analysis of an archaeological hair sample from East-Iceland and comparative samples from nine modern-day species of mammals from the region
Lost Paths. Climate Changes and the Forgotten Route to Skriðuklaustur Monastery, Eastern Iceland
Anthropos , Seite 1 - 8
Becoming Christian
The diverse appearances of church buildings, iconography and altered burial practices have commonly been used to exemplify the expansion of Christianity in early medieval Europe. Less emphasis has been placed on how the common European dealt with the Christian transformation in daily life, perhaps because of the tendency in research to distinguish ritual actions from secular. To become Christian did not necessarily entail greater religiousness or…
An Icelandic medieval stave church made of drift timber
An Icelandic medieval stave church made of drift timber
Skriðuklaustur Monastery
The Tip of the Iceberg
Material objects from distant societies and cultures have long been an axis for archaeological research. In recent research, however, growing attention has been drawn to exploring simultaneously the conceptual meaning of material substances as the products of humans. The visual appearance of material is in this respect no more than the tip of an iceberg, where only a small part of something largely hidden is evident. In this article, Skriðuklaust…
The Poisoned Arrows of Amor
While syphilis spread rapidly in Europe during the late 15th and early 16th centuries, scholars have doubted that the disease reached Iceland at that time. Still, discoveries of nine cases of venereal and congenital syphilis during a recent excavation on a monastic site, Skriðuklaustur (1496–1554) in East Iceland, indicate that the disease became an epidemic there, as it did worldwide. These findings may also be regarded as an important source of…
Cases of hydatid disease in medieval Iceland
Eight individuals with calcified cysts preserved in the thorax and abdomen, one of which had a maximum diameter of 17-20 cm, were recovered during recent excavations at Skriðuklaustur, a medieval monastic site which also functioned as a hospital during its operation from AD 1493-1554 in Eastern Iceland. Hydatid cysts are the result of parasitic infection by Echinococci commonly in the liver and lungs of the accidental human host. Echinococcus gra…
The Icelandic medieval monastic garden - did it exist
In the multidisciplinary project presented here, 12 known monastic grounds in Iceland were surveyed by a group of medievalists from different fields in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The aim of the survey was to increase knowledge of the Icelandic monastic garden and of the plants that were known and used there; to look for possible medieval cultural relict plants; to observe continental influence on the island; and to vitalize discussion an…
Becoming Christian
The diverse appearances of church buildings, iconography and altered burial practices have commonly been used to exemplify the expansion of Christianity in early medieval Europe. Less emphasis has been placed on how the common European dealt with the Christian transformation in daily life, perhaps because of the tendency in research to distinguish ritual actions from secular. To become Christian did not necessarily entail greater religiousness or…
Lost Paths. Climate Changes and the Forgotten Route to Skriðuklaustur Monastery, Eastern Iceland
Anthropos , Seite 1 - 8
Pollen, Plague & Protestants
Until recently, Icelandic monasticism has been considered remote from European monasticism and that it had little impact upon medieval Icelandic society. Focussing upon a monastic site in northern Iceland (Þingeyraklaustur), palaeoecological data is utilised to explore the role of Icelandic monasticism with regard to land use in order to discern whether or not the aforementioned conventions hold true. In particular, are changes in land use associ…
SEM analysis of an archaeological hair sample from East-Iceland and comparative samples from nine modern-day species of mammals from the region
Volcanoes, medicine, and monasticism
This study aimed to evaluate the possible use of mercury as a medical treatment at the medieval monastic hospital Skriðuklaustur (ad1494-1554) in eastern Iceland. The individuals excavated from Skriðuklaustur exhibited a wide range of pathological conditions, including the only skeletal evidence of venereal syphilis in Iceland. Skeletal remains from the Skeljastaðir cemetery (ca.ad1000-1104) in southern Iceland were also analysed in light of the …
At the world's edge
Objectives A multi‐isotope study was conducted on individuals buried at Skriðuklaustur monastery (AD 1493–1554) to investigate their geographic origins and dietary composition. Comparative material from individuals excavated from Skeljastaðir, an inland farm site was also analyzed. Materials and methods Bone collagen was extracted from 50 humans (Skriðuklaustur and Skeljastaðir) and 25 animals (Skriðuklaustur) and analyzed for δ 13 C, δ 15 N, and…
Hidden dangers? Investigating the impact of volcanic eruptions and skeletal fluorosis in medieval Iceland
Volcanic emissions are known to be a serious source of pollution to humans and animals. This study aimed to examine the possible health burden of fluoride (F) exposure from volcanic eruptions in the past. Osteological analyses were performed on 186 skeletons from seven sites across Iceland with the aim of identifying skeletal changes potentially associated with osteofluorosis. Additionally, ion selective electrode (ISE) was used to investigate po…
The vegetation and land use histories of two farms in Iceland
Medieval Monasticism in Iceland and Norse Greenland
The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the monastic houses operated on the northernmost periphery of Roman Catholic Europe during the Middle Ages. The intention is to debunk the long-held theory of Iceland and Norse Greenland's supposed isolation from the rest of the world, as it is clear that medieval monasticism reached both of these societies, just as it reached their counterparts elsewhere in the North Atlantic. During the Middle …
Ólöf the Rich and a Cloth from Svalbarð, Iceland
About fifteen illustrated cloths have been preserved from medieval times in Iceland. One of them is an antependium from Svalbarð church on Svalbarðsströnd. The embroidered iconography on it is believed to depict the story of John the Apostle, who was the patron saint of the Svalbarð church. Upon closer inspection, the cloth appears to have been cut from a larger cloth, most likely a wall-hanging, in order to be used as an antependium. Moreover, t…
The Abbesses of Iceland
The female monasteries that operated in Iceland during medieval times, Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Reynistaðarklaustur, are the largest- and longest-operating institutions run by women to ever exist in the country. The names of the abbesses-the leaders of the female monasteries, some of which led the monasteries for up to half a century-are known from written documents and material remains that describe the abbesses' diverse tasks and obligations whi…
The Potential of Palynology with Regard to the Archaeology of Medieval Monastery Sites in Iceland
In 2014, as part of the Kortlagning klaustur á Íslandi (Mapping Monasticism in Iceland) archaeological project, bulk samples retrieved from various archaeological sites associated with Icelandic monasticism were subsampled for pollen analysis. The objective was to discern something about the character of the past vegetation that surrounded the sites under archaeological investigation as well as to detect the presence of exotic pollen derived from…
Saga, settlement and sediments at Helgafell, western Iceland
The Dissolution of the Monastic Houses in Iceland
The founding of the fourteen monasteries that operated for varying lengths of time in Iceland are in most cases known, but their dissolution differs. It is, however, known that none of them were closed due to plagues, natural disasters, or economic crises but rather because of administrative reasons. Five of the monasteries perished within a few decades; however, most of them perished because of political disputes between secular and ecclesiastic…
Microbes from Floor and Wall Layers at a Viking Age and Medieval Farm in Iceland Reveal Living Conditions, Human Respiratory Diseases and the Presence of Domestic Animals
DNA shed by living organisms can persist in the soil for thousands of years and provide valuable insights into past environments and human activities. The aim of this study is to add to our knowledge of people’s lives, health and living conditions and husbandry inside a turf house at the farm Skálanes, East Iceland, from the tenth to fifteenth centuries AD. The examination is performed through analysis of bacterial gene sequences of 16S ribosomal…
Beyond Isolation
Iceland has often been perceived as a society isolated from the rest of Europe owing to its location on an island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. This article challenges such interpretations by arguing that Iceland was neither inaccessible nor culturally remote. Rather than functioning solely as barriers, oceans can facilitate mobility and sustain interaction between societies across open seas. Material and literary sources demonstrate…
Archaeology (16 works) · History (13 works) · Geography (11 works) · Ancient history (9 works) · Historical and Archaeological Studies (9 works) · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies (8 works) · Biology (6 works) · Icelandic (6 works) · Philosophy (6 works) · Ecology (5 works)