Paviken

BW

History

Both Visby and Paviken and the neighboring Västergarn are among the places on the coast of Gotland, which are the early historical Thingplace of Roma close. At the same time or previously Bandlundeviken, Bogeviken and Fröjel were used as trading places on Gotland yet. The conditions for an early port in Paviken were among the best on Gotland:

• Access to the fresh water of the IDA.
• The proper slope of the beach for pulling the boats.
• The geographical proximity to the central place Roma ( air line 20 km)
• The protected natural harbor that could be locked.
• The possibility of transport by ship into the island
• Dry land for the approximately 1.5 -acre estate on the gravel back.

Per Lundström undertook in the years 1967 to 1973, a major archaeological survey. She focused on the angle formed by the river and the east beach Pavikens. From the settlement at about 1,000 m² were examined ( one-seventh of the area), with approximately 10,000 finds were made, which were brought mostly with the Swedish mainland in conjunction. Most of the utensils consisted of broken glass, weights, zerscherbter pottery, coins and equipment and tool parts covering a range of types, which is commonplace for such a settlement. Similar findings are known from Hedeby, Ribe and Kaupang. In addition, there were indications of fishing and a shipyard for the construction and repair of boats. Furthermore, there was evidence of crafts such as blacksmithing, metal processing, the processing of almandine garnet and as well as the manufacture of glass beads.

The imported goods are evidence of contacts with the Baltic States, the Orient and the Rhineland as well as with Britain, Italy and northern Scandinavia. The port was abandoned in the late 10th century, the place is burned down. The results of these excavations were fundamental for the study of early trade places. In the 1980s, it was found in the water the remains of a locking device. Paviken is a 74 acre nature reserve today.

Nature

The lake now has an area of 0.26 km ². Together with his surroundings, he is a nature reserve and Natura 2000 site, which is visited by many birds.