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44 A History of Sweden
city and a wall of circumvallation on an adjoining
height. These fortifications were built for protection
against vikings from the other side of the Baltic.*
Ansgar was given a friendly reception from King
Bjorn, who after consultation with his council gave
him permission to preach. Unspeakable was the joy of
the Christian captives. Never had they even hoped to
engage again in Christian worship. And of the heathen
many were baptized, among them one of the king’s
most trusted councilors.-
After a year and a half Ansgar returned to Germany
and brought with him to the Emperor a letter from
King Bjorn, written with runic characters. Ansgar
was now appointed by the pope archbishop of the three
Scandinavian lands, and chief leader in the work of
their conversion. His official seat was located in north-
ern Germany.
Ansgar’s Second Visit to Sweden. But the heathen
population of Birka became enraged against the mis-
sionary who suceeded Ansgar and drove him out of the
country. Ansgar felt greatly concerned about the little
Christian congregation, thus left without a head, and
finally decided to go there himself. This was about the
year 850.
He found his friends up there anxious and hopeless.
They advised him to save himself by immediate flight.
But he answered, "1 am ready to endure all pain and
* About the year 1000 the city was deserted either because it was destroyed
by vikings or the inhabitants were compelled to move away. The place is now
& fertile field. Out of the soil, which is black from the many fireplaces, there
have been dug up remains, from Sweden and neighboring lands, such as uten-
sils,
"
ornaments, and coins. A part of the wall of circumvallation remains.
Outside oC the city limits there was a large graveyard, where 2,000 graves may
yet be seen.
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