Helgˆ was an important Scandinavian religious centre and trading settlement. During the Roman period, Scandinavian religious activity centred on watery places where votive deposits were made, but by AD 500 dry land sites had come to predominate.
At such cult sites as Sorte Mulde, Gudme and Helgˆ, votive deposits included gold foil figurines and other gold objects.
The settlement on the island of Helgˆ consisted of the usual farmstead buildings. It was perhaps its religious significance that first gave it importance.
By AD 400 it was also functioning as an important trading centre, despite its small size. It was probably involved in the export of northern Swedish furs and local agricultural produce, especially hides for leather.
A large number of exotic objects were found here, including Frankish glass, imported metalwork, Byzantine gold coins and even a bronze statue of Buddha from India. Helgˆ was also an industrial centre: numerous moulds were found for casting bronze jewellery.
