An interdisciplinary investigation of Bergen's forgotten fire

The paper addresses a bone of interdisciplinary contention — was part of Bergen affected by a fire at ca. 1225–30? There is no direct historical evidence for this fire; its existence has been postulated on the grounds of archaeological material from various sites in Bergen, and the dating evidence pertaining to these is presented first. Following this, source‐critical analysis of the historical material reveals that it is possible for a relatively extensive fire to have occurred, even in Bergen, without being recorded. The paper's main point is that, when two or more disciplines are ostensibly in confrontation, information from the one cannot be used to refute outright the claims of the other. Source‐analysis may well show that the conflict is only apparent, permitting the opposing viewpoints to be reconciled

Archaeological evidence · Archaeology · Art · Viewpoints · Visual arts · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Historical and Archaeological Studies · History · Maritime and Coastal Archaeology