Stavanger

Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway, located on the southwest coast of Norway. It is the fourth largest city and the centre of the third largest metropolitan area in the country.

History

Stavanger (Old Norse 'Stafangr' which means Staff-fjord) was founded in the year 1125, mainly because the Stavanger bisphopric was established in the 1120s. But even before that time Stavanger fulfilled an important urban role. A number of historians have argued convincingly that Nord-Jæren was an economic and military centre as far back as the 800-900s with the consolidation of the nation at Hafrsfjord. Stavanger grew into a centre of civic administration and an important south-west coast market town around 1100-1200. With the reformation in 1536, Stavanger's role as a religious centre declined, and the establishment of Kristiansand in the early 17th century led to the relocation of the bisphopric. However, rich herring fisheries in the 19th century gave the city new life.

Related Topics:
1125 - Jæren - Hafrsfjord - Kristiansand

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The city's history is a continuous alternation between upswings and recessions. The city and its surroundings is deeply rooted in religion and Christian life, and for long periods of time its most important industries have been shipping, shipbuilding, the canning industry and associated subcontractors.

Related Topics:
Christian - Shipping - Shipbuilding - Canning industry

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In 1969 a new upswing started as oil was first discovered in the North Sea. After much discussion Stavanger was chosen to be the on-shore center for the oil industry on the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, and a period of hectic growth followed. In 2003 Norway was the world's third largest exporter of crude oil.

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