The Vendel Period (c. 540–790 CE) is a key phase in Swedish prehistory, situated between the Migration Period and the Viking Age. This era is named after the rich archaeological finds at Vendel, in Uppland, Sweden, especially its boat inhumation cemetery, which has provided a wealth of copper-alloy objects, animal art, and elaborate helmets. A defining characteristic of this period is the scarcity of precious metal artifacts and runic inscriptions compared to the subsequent Viking Age. However, it is notable for intricate animal art, especially on gilded bronze, and items like guldgubbar (tiny embossed gold foil images), along with helmets similar to the Sutton Hoo find in England.
The Vendel Period marks an era of expansion for Swedish traders and raiders who began exploring the waterways of present-day Russia, and Belarus. It also witnessed the shift from the Elder Futhark to the Younger Futhark writing system across Scandinavia, marking a pivotal linguistic and cultural transformation. Despite the lack of detailed written records, archaeological discoveries remain central to understanding this period, particularly in terms of burial practices and artistic expression.
Politically and religiously, Old Uppsala was a significant center, featuring royal mounds and possibly serving as a hub of religious activity. The Merovingian dynasty of the Franks dominated much of Europe during this time, and their influence, along with others, shaped the broader Germanic world, of which the Vendel Period is a part.