The Shortest History of Scandinavia

From the Stone Age to “Scandimania”—a brisk, illuminating journey through 14,000 years of Nordic history Outsiders have long viewed Scandinavia as special, starting with the ancient Greeks and their myths of Ultima Thule, a place “where the Sun goes to rest.” Today, we admire Scandinavia for its universal welfare, equality, peacefulness, and untouched nature—not to mention its interior design, crime literature, and love of all things hygge. Yet Nordic history has its hardships and dark periods,