Alkuajat

Alkuajat refers to the earliest periods of Finnish history and prehistory. This term encompasses the time before written records, when the area of modern Finland was inhabited by various groups of people. Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in Finland dating back thousands of years, with findings of Stone Age tools and settlements. During the Bronze Age and Iron Age, cultural influences from neighboring regions, including Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, became apparent through burial customs and artifact styles.

The Migration Period, roughly from the 5th to the 8th century CE, saw further developments in settlement patterns and social structures. These early communities gradually developed distinct cultural traits that would eventually form the basis of Finnish identity. The arrival of the Vikings and the subsequent trade routes also played a role in shaping the early Finnish societies. The earliest written mentions of the Finnish people and their lands appear in foreign sources from around the 11th century onwards. Understanding the alkuajat is crucial for tracing the origins of the Finnish language, culture, and people, providing a foundation for later historical developments.