Latin in Swedish Genealogical Records: Difference between revisions

<br>'''INTRODUCTION''' '''<br><br>'''Until the time of the Protestant Reformation, church, government and many other documents in Sweden were written in Latin. Even in later times, the use of Latin terms and abbreviations are common. The genealogist is well-served by understanding the role that Latin played in the evolution of Swedish records and its interpretation today. <br><br>'''HISTORY''' <br><br>Prior to the year 1,000, the people of Sweden had little contact with the cultures to the south where the Latin language was at one time spoken as well as written. Viking expeditions to these areas did result in some coins and other artifacts with Latin inscriptions making their way north, but it was with the introduction of Christianity at the beginning of the second millennium that Latin was formerly introduced in Sweden. The use of Latin increased in Scandinavia during the 1100’s as this new Christian faith became more well-established.  

<br>'''RESOURCES<br>'''Emin Tengström, ''Latinet I Sverige,'' Lund, Sweden: Berlingska Boktryckeriet, 1973.<br>Elisabeth Thorsell &amp; Ulf Schenkmanis, ''Släktforskning, vägen till din egen historia'', Helsingborg, Sweden: Schmidts Boktryckeri AB, 1993.