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| Gaming pieces from the grave 523 in Birka, 10th century |
During the Viking Age, Birka, on the island of Björkö (literally: "Birch Island"), was an important trading center between Ladoga (Aldeigja) and Novgorod (Holmsgard) to the Byzantine Empire and the AbbasidCalifate. Björkö is located in Lake Mälaren, 30km west of Stockholm. The archaeological sites of Birka and Hovgården, on the neighbouring island of Adelsö, make up an archaeological complex which illustrates the elaborate trading networks of Viking Scandinavia and their influence on the subsequent history of Europe. Generally regarded as Sweden's oldest town, it was founded in the middle of the 8th century, being also important as the site of the first known Christian congregation in Sweden, founded in 831 by Saint Ansgar.
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