By Simon S.

                                                            

The once forested land (left) which gave way to Northvolt’s manufacturing plant in Skellefteå (right). (Source: Google Earth & Wikimedia Commons).

Introduction

STOCKHOLM 2025, March 12 – Northvolt’s file for bankruptcy marks the largest bankruptcy in Sweden’s modern industrial history as it affects over 5000 employees at the manufacturing plant in Skellefteå. 

It is yet too early to speculate on what place Northvolt – producer and manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries – will hold in regional and national consciousnesses, nor on what in the aftermath of the bankruptcy will happen to Northvolt and the built industrial milieu, inaugurated in 2022, that required the de-forestation of 19 000 m² of land. Regardless of what company name or form it takes as a façade; capital tends to seek out where opportunities exist and at the moment of writing, Scania – producer of heavy trucks and buses – are already acquiring parts of Northvolt’s enterprise. With these problems of writing on such a contemporary topic in mind, this blog post seeks to chronologically and on a general level shed light on some of the currently known social conditions which can be said to have constituted the underbelly of Northvolt. Prior to that, I will provide a background section which explores the rather remarkable preconditions of Northvolt as well as discuss how we may understand the so-called ‘green transition’ in relation to Northvolt. 

Background: the discrepancies between expectations and outcomes

By focusing on the production of lithium-ion batteries with a minimized carbon footprint, Northvolt was framed not only to have central significance to the ‘green transition’ in Sweden but also to function as an example for the EU in counterweighting the dependency on the Chinese dominance in these sectors. Given these expectations, Swedish media and political discourses at times ended up framing the Northvolt project in nationalist connotations inasmuch it was referred to as a revival of a Swedish historical entrepreneurial spirit in industrial innovations into a post-Paris Climate Accords era and beyond. Moreover, there was potential for the flourishment of the Northern Sweden as the enterprise was expected to attract unprecedented labor and opportunities to municipalities and regions normally considered peripheral. The establishment did undeniably play a role in establishing a more translocal social environment, but, in the long run, they were perhaps expected to contribute more towards minimizing the socio-economic South/North gap in Swedish relational geographies. In sum, these are only some of the aspects which constitute the deep discrepancy between expectations and outcomes, and it ultimately came as no surprise that Northvolt’s fall would awake strong reactions across the political spectrum. 

Conceptualizing the ‘green transition’ in the case of Northvolt

Northvolt’s ascribed role in the so-called ‘green transition’ was perhaps one aspect which contributed to its public attention. However, we still must question what goes into such terms and processes. Arbetet, a newspaper which examines malpractices, writes in an editorial that: “The problem with Northvolt’s bankruptcy isn’t that the business idea was green – but that it was predatory capitalist.” However, it is questionable whether we can separate “green” from “predatory capitalism” in the form of a cartesian binary, since the mechanisms of green capitalism often enable corporations to produce ‘sustainable forms of energy’ while allowing them to maintain reaping profits from environmental activities. Moreover, the processes and the capital investments involved are of planetary matter. Hence, a proper study of Northvolt – which I do not claim to be doing here – that seeks to address such issues, thus, need to move beyond the extraction site to emphasize the uneven planetary effects and the cross-spatial infrastructures which interconnects the worldwide surplus population from Skellefteå to Shenzhen. One entry to such relational geographies will briefly be outlined when addressing how thousands of former Northvolt employees have found themselves in uncertainty in relation to their working visas and stays in Sweden.

A chronological account of the underbelly

Tragedies

Northvolt gained widespread public attention after four employees tragically died off-duty under “unexplained circumstances” during 2024. All these four deaths have so far by the police been ruled out of foul play. Additionally, a direct workplace accident leading to casualty in 2023 is currently under investigation.

Dismantling the union

Nortvolth’s downfall happened rather quickly but was nevertheless marked by various top-down driven waves of terminations, downsizes and dismantles. Many of the labor union representatives, for example at IF Metall, were terminated in a way which resulted in scarce union representation at the workplace. This development hints at a rather strategic decentralization of the labor union, whose role in Sweden generally is considered as an influential counterpart to the employer. 

Board member bonus-systems contra unpaid salaries

Despite these terminations intended to cut costs in a supposedly rough economic situation, whereby the lowest ranks of the labor organization were targeted, the bonus system which Northvolt’s executives enjoyed quickly caught public attention. These documents suggest that two of the board members, when working more than four hours a day, and besides the monthly salary of 396 000 and 660 000 SEK respectively, could cash in an additional amount of 55 000 SEK per occasion, whereas thousands of the former employees have had to await their salaries which amount to approximately 35 000 SEK a month. 

The layoffs and current realities

The layoffs from Northvolt happened abruptly and of the 5000 total employees affected includes 1500 international workers. Given the work permit system, many of the international workers who seek to stay in Sweden must find new jobs in Sweden within weeks or months. Hence, thousands of people have ended up in especially precarious situations marked by uncertainty when it comes to life plans and other existential matters. As I do not seek to speak for these experiences, each of the following four in-text hyperlinks constitute processed parts of some of the stories of the 5000 workers, who on their own as well as collectively are awaiting various forms of reparations and vindications from a company which has yet taken full responsibility.

Concluding reflections

While Northvolt is by no means unique when it comes to the mistreatment of lower ranked employees, such realities in combination with the company’s contemporary relevance in Swedish news media discourse have nevertheless warranted this text. This of course implies that I too am contributing in co-producing a certain discourse – especially since these reflections are mainly built upon material processed by the media. Despite this, I have sought to counteract the predominant media narrative which often tends to fall into a pragmatic “what was economically lost” focus when discussing Northvolt after the bankruptcy. Because the news media and political discourse focus placed on macroeconomic and developmental loss continues steering the focus away from the question of accountability. Hand-in-hand with the company’s supposed mission, such outcome-oriented viewpoints – constituting the mirage of green capitalism – have seduced media and political discourse away from more important issues. On an individual/collective level, thus, one must continue to be critical towards naïve portrayals of what a company seeks to do. Lastly, the uncertainty that the former workers face after the bankruptcy continues to raise questions about the restrictive work permit system and highlights the lack of safety nets in Sweden’s deregulated labor market environment.

Disclosure statement 

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

References

Google Earth, “Satellite image of Skellefteå 2018-05-28”, https://earth.google.com/ [2025-04-14].

Korkman Westling, Saga & Connolly, Paul, “Northvolt death investigation complete – no work link found”, Norran 2024-12-16, https://www.norran.se/english/skelleftea/artikel/investigation-clears-northvolt-deaths-of-workplace-link/rgx76pmj[2025-05-13].

Lagerström, Kristina & Bergsten, Henrik, “Northvolts ersättning till nya ledamöterna – månadslön och 55 000 kronor per dag”, SVT Nyheter 2024-11-27, https://www.svt.se/nyheter/inrikes/northvolts-ersattning-till-nya-ledamoterna-manadslon-och-55-000-kronor-per-dag [2025-04-06].

Lindkvist, Elin & Sjödin, Kajsa, “Familjen måste lämna landet efter Northvolts konkurs – kan bli fast med nästan tre miljoner i lån”, SVT Nyheter 2025-04-08, https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vasterbotten/familjen-maste-lamna-landet-efter-northvolts-konkurs-kan-bli-fast-med-nastan-tre-miljoner-i-lan [2025-04-10].

Lindmark, Linnea, “In English: Tanvir, 32, hasn’t received his salary from Northvolt: “Six kronor left in my account””, Dagens Arbete 2025-03-27, https://da.se/2025/03/in-english-tanvir-32-hasnt-received-his-salary-from-northvolt-six-kronor-left-in-my-account/ [2025-04-07].

Parham, Babak, “Swedish Radio reporter: ‘Workers sitting in silence outside Northvolt after bankruptcy announcement’”, Sveriges Radio (SR) 2025-03-12, https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/swedish-radio-reporter-workers-sitting-in-silence-outside-northvolt-after-bankruptcy-announcement#:~:text=Northvolt%20Sweden%20has%20officially%20filed,including%20around%201500%20international%20workers[2025-04-07].

Schwartz, Peter, “IF Metall: Northvolt gör sig av med fackliga företrädare: ”Nu upphör det fackliga arbetet””, Dagens Arbete 2025-04-07, https://da.se/2025/04/if-metall-northvolt-gor-sig-av-med-fackliga-foretradare/ [2025-04-06].

Sjödin, Kajsa, Berglund, Hedda & Dahlin, Teddy, “Familjen sålde allt för att satsa på drömmen om Northvolt: ”Vet ingenting om framtiden””, SVT Nyheter 2025-03-14, https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/vasterbotten/familjen-salde-allt-for-att-satsa-pa-drommen-om-northvolt-vet-ingenting-om-framtiden [2025-04-10].

Sundén, Erica, “Clock ticking for Northvolt workers”, Sveriges Radio (SR) 2025-04-11, https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/clock-ticking-for-northvolt-workers [2025-04-12].

Swedin, Daniel, “Northvolts konkurs: Skojare berikade sig, arbetare får betala priset”, Arbetet 2025-03-12, https://arbetet.se/2025/03/12/northvolts-konkurs-skojare-berikade-sig-arbetare-far-betala-priset/ [2025-04-04].

Waterton, Becky, Northvolt warns work permit salary threshold could jeopardise Sweden’s green transition, The Local2024-07-03, https://www.thelocal.se/20240703/northvolt-warns-work-permit-salary-threshold-could-jeopardise-swedens-green-transition?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AerBZYPE3YVwPcMjcZWWQ9sjdY1X2VcB7QSjlq5hUuAcK9ATFOVmOOmX278CBuwf3gI%3D&gaa_ts=67f92fe0&gaa_sig=lD9AyfBqNw43ZZNHQyjJCvjh9VCwiFETkMLaHyFuPC3tFZ5Vkj8NGVS9bTAXiTB0oxlnWut9qATB5V2Nl6hHBw%3D%3D[2025-04-07].

Westerberg, Melker & Connolly, Paul, “Death at Northvolt: The case that survived the company’s collapse”, Norran 2025-03-17, https://www.norran.se/english/skelleftea/artikel/death-at-northvolt-the-case-that-survived-the-companys-collapse/rx7p63yl [2025-04-05].

Wikimedia Commons, “Northvolt Ett januari 2022-2.jpg 2022-01-01”, [2025-04-14].

Åström, Veronika; Connolly, Paul; Nohlgren, Ulrika & Åhlund, Christoffer, “After a third death, police now start investigation”, Norran 2024-06-20, https://www.norran.se/english/skelleftea/artikel/triple-tragedy-police-investigate-link-in-worker-deaths/lw4zkwyr [2025-05-13].Öhman, Frida, Fahlgren, Glenn & Connolly, Paul, “Prasadinee, 36, on the shocking dismissal: “It’s painful””, Norran 2025-04-04, https://www.norran.se/english/engelska/artikel/its-no-longer-northvolt-but-the-toxic-old-culture-lingers/jdo6xv4l

By Hanna Järvbäck

Is There a Language Out There, for You and I to Share? 

Could there ever be a moment,

In which their eyes could lock,

Their thoughts intertwine,

And their tongues roll in the same motion?

Will there ever be a moment,

When he understands the weight –

Of her hmms… and her aahs…

The heaviness she carries in her extra seconds of consideration?

Is there ever going to be a moment,

Where he will take the time –

Patiently and non-defensive,

To genuinely listen?

Can there ever be a moment,

When our languages meet?

Poem by: Hanna Järvbäck

Can communication transcend the boundaries of language? Or, perhaps, more distinctly, how can we ensure that voices that struggle while veering away from their mother tongue are genuinely heard? My poem ‘Is There a Language Out There, for You and I to Share?’ is inspired by my numerous re-readings of Xiaolu Guo’s novel A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers. Guo’s novel critiques the circulation of imperial knowledge and exposes the power imbalances between native “Queen’s English” speakers and English language learners. In the poem, I have aimed to echo the struggles experienced by protagonist Zhuang to be understood while navigating a foreign linguistic and cultural system.

A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers follows the tale of Chinese student, Zhuang, arriving in London to attend English language school. Written as a multimedia non-alphabetical dictionary/diary, the novel opens with a broken English first-person narration. However, as the story unfolds, the reader gets to follow Zhuang’s journey of developing more English language skills (as shown in her writing) as she engages in an intimate relationship with “You” – an older English man – who becomes her adviser and dependant in the foreign country. As her English language skills improve, their relationship deteriorates as cultural ignorance, misunderstandings, and assimilation ideals become more enhanced and pronounced. Zhuang’s journey to learning the “Queen’s English” is far from easy, and she often feels at a loss towards its linguistic power, which differs significantly from her native Mandarin. Having to continuously code-switch and translate between languages in conversations with “You” causes Zhuang to question her identity and purpose in the West. While asking how to be herself in a second language and how to make herself genuinely understood, Zhuang eventually, in a hauntingly reflection, admits:

I am sick of speaking English like this. I am sick of writing English like this. I feel as if I am being tied up, as if I am living in a prison. I am scared that I have become a person who is always very aware of talking, speaking, and I have become a person without confidence, because I can’t be me. I have become so small, so tiny, while the English culture surrounding me becomes enormous. (180)

Guo leaves the reader contemplating how language is intrinsically intertwined with identity, as the desire to be understood transcends the grammatical boundaries of imperial Standardised English.

In my latest re-read of A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers, I paired it alongside Trinh T. Minh-ha’s Woman, Native, Other, which explores how imperial literary discourse positions women writers of colour in a “triple bind” of racial and sexual prejudices, anchored in the ‘white- male-is-norm ideology,’ a framework Minh-ha describes as ‘used predominantly as a vehicle to circulate established power relations’ (6). Circulating in a sphere of continuous politicisation of her ethnicity, gender and choice of profession, the woman writer of colour ‘must learn to paint her world with colors chosen often by men for men to suit their realities’ (27). This pairing added a new layer of appreciation and offered a powerful lens through which to view Guo’s work. The reader can, from the beginning of the novel, detect a resistance towards the “white-male-is-norm ideology”, through reflections such as: ‘English a sexist language. In Chinese no ‘gender definitions in sentence … Always talking about mans, no womans’ (26). However, Guo’s interrogation of this Eurocentric ideology shines through in the unfolding of Zhuang’s relationship with her lover. While in a conflict on the “correct” way to speak, act and live, Zhuang slowly but surely begins to challenge her lover’s sense of entitlement, suggesting: ‘Your happiness is from your masculine world, and in that world you feel everything is under the control. Your sadness actually is nothing to do with me. Your stress is not really from me’ (192). In this reflection, Zhuang resists engaging with her lover’s view of reality. This becomes a theme that Guo applies throughout the novel, illustrating how imperial power imbalances can infiltrate intimate relationships, revealing the emotional toll on the one positioned as socially and culturally inferior.

So, can we ever escape this circulation of power dynamics? Minh-ha considers that there are bound to be cracks within every system, and within language constructions, there are ‘blanks, lapses, and silences that settle in like gaps of fresh air as soon as the inked space smells stuffy’ (19). I encountered Guo’s novel in my first year as a Swedish international student at University of Brighton, when my self-esteem regarding my language abilities was at its lowest. Although my positionality differs significantly from the main character (and here, we need to take time to underline the privilege that I possess, which Zhuang does not – as a white Westerner), I felt a connection to her frustrations. I had moments when language felt like a heavy backpack dragging me down; however, taking it off would feel worse because I feared I would stand empty-handed without it. Through the narration of Zhuang, Guo consistently takes the readers into the gaps of standardised imperial English and shows them the identity and voice that flow in the spaces between its constructions. 

Now, my copy of the novel is withered and weathered – notes scribbled all over and coffee stains splattered on some pages – from all my re-reads. To say that I have simply loved this book would be an understatement. Guo’s novel reminds us that language is never natural – it has the power to construct how one sees oneself in society. Nevertheless, perhaps more remarkably, the novel shows how a marginalised voice can seize agency. I warmly recommend A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers to everyone interested in how language shapes identity and belonging. And I hope it will inspire you, as much as it did me, creatively or reflectively. 

REFERENCES

Guo, Xiaolu. A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers. Vintage, 2007.

Minh-ha, Trinh T. Woman, Native, Other: Writing Postcoloniality and Feminism. Indiana University Press, 1989.

By Henrike Sausen

Disclaimer: The word ‘race’ is being used throughout the writing process as the correct game lore term in the literature and to ensure consistency. This is a reproduction and should be viewed with a critical eye.

After a stressful day, many people come home and, after a few clicks, dive into the digital realm to escape all the stress and problems. For many people, gaming is a big part of their everyday life, whether it’s on their computers, phones or consoles. They’re attracted by the interactive part of video games and their vast and beautifully crafted stories and graphic design. This post looks at how race and racism are portrayed in video games, with a focus on fantasy games. Games use ideas of race, capability and compatibility to create a world where the enemy is always easy to identify. There are lots of ways to look at this, from the objectification of cultural signs and practices, the way different skin colours are presented, and the way appearance and characteristics are connected.

Scholars in recent years have in some cases presented the Orcs as evil (Fergusson 2022) while others prefer to throw a wider net and focus on the presentation of Race and Otherness (Leonard 2003) and the concept of Essentialism (Monson 2012). David Leonard calls the 21^st century the era of video games as he sees the increasing availability of video games and their progression on a visual and in game level (Leonard 2003: 1). In addition to the monetary indicator for the popularity, studies are looking into the amount of people playing video games on a general basis. Around 65% of all American households enjoy video games from different genres (Monson 2012: 48). Scholars like David R. Dietrich argues for the need to integrate video games and their role into research: “What’s more, video games represent a new form of media, distinguished from the previous forms by the interactive element where game players have the ability to change and influence the game world” (Dietrich 2013: 82). Research regarding video games by Children Now found that over half of the analysed games show stereotypes. In general, they found a high number of presenting and reusing sexist, misogynistic, racist tropes and a lack of people of colour in their games (Leonard 2003: 1).

Scholars believe that one reason for this is the role of the game creators and designers, who are limited by their capacity in society and the constructs in which they grew up. Just as researchers need to reflect on their privileges and limitations, we should consider the people creating games and in which context it was produced. As Melissa Monson notes: “Here, it is the imagination of game developers that sets the parameters for the sociohistorical context in which the game takes place, rather than any overt attempt to replicate the real world.” (Monson 2012: 49)

Many tend to believe that fantasy-based video games are not subject to racism and the criticism discussed above, as they seem to be very distant from the real world. However, research shows that they are just as essentialist as their reality-based cousins. Analysis of MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) such as World of Warcraft – the current number one in fantasy video games – show that criticism of racism can be traced and connected just as it does to any other media form: 

From the hate-filled bigotry of Blood Elves to racialized jokes (So an Orc walks into a bar…), to game encoded racial essentialism which determines alliances, language, intellect, temperament, occupation, strength, and technological aptitude, Azeroth (the fantasy-based realm of WoW) is ensconced in racial precepts (Monson 2012: 48).

In addition to in-game problems as discussed above are additional issues through the interaction between players outside the game. This will not be discussed at this point, but should be kept in mind, when talking about video games. The world of Fantasy authors is sometimes more obvious and sometimes less connected to the real world. The different groups in a story are often based on real-world areas, cultures and people (Monson 2012: 51). 

For the limited scope of this paper, one example from Baldur’s Gate 3 as a proxy, is presented. In general, it is to be noted that the critique can be applied to almost all fantasy video games, as they require the choosing of a race to be played by the gamer (comp. Monson 2012). With it comes a background story and characteristics, which will influence their game play but also interactions inside the game. A central issue is presented by Ferguson because “[t]he Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game also saw controversy given that the game involves some monster ‘races’ such as orcs which are depicted as inherently evil”. (Ferguson 2022: 12400). The connection of race and attributes is what is central to the criticism, as it seems to follow theories and aspects of the real world. “The intertwining of recognizable cultural histories, epistemologies, and geographies encourage readers (and gamers alike) to suspend disbelief and accept the more fantastical elements of such stories” (Monson 2012: 53).

As discussed by Ferguson (2022) certain races in fantasy settings have more racial attributes, than others. He suspects that the Ethnocentrism lived in the real world translates into the virtual space and is reflected in the portrayal of certain races as evil or bad (Ferguson 2022: 12402). 

Against the background of the use of racial theories and the degrading and condescending characterisations based on appearance in the past, it becomes apparent that not only the physiological but also the character representation has to be a central point of criticism. To differentiate people by their appearance and their race, which in the fantasy world is more visible and often better explained, remains to be viewed critically. To connect characteristics to races and form strong stereotypes through it, that can easily be reproduced and sometimes very openly connect to real world cultures shows that racism and the use of Othering is common practice in fantasy.

This short post showed rather briefly how cultures are reproduced and used in game design and how concepts of racism and xenophobia are used to explain lore in the game world, without explaining the game further.

Bibliography

DIETRICH, D. (2013) Avatars of Whiteness: Racial Expression in Video Game Characters : IMMIGRATION AND RACE. Sociological Inquiry, 83(1), 82–105. 

Ferguson, C. (2022) Are orcs racist? Dungeons and Dragons, ethnocentrism, anxiety, and the depiction of “evil” monsters. Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), 42(15), 12400–12408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02551-4

Leonard, D. (2003) “Live in Your World, Play in Ours”: Race, Video Games, and Consuming the Other In: Studies in Media & Information Literacy Education. Volume 3, Issue 4 (November 2003). pp 1–9. DOI: 10.3138/sim.3.4.002.  

Monson, M. (2012) Race-Based Fantasy Realm: Essentialism in the World of Warcraft. In: Games and Culture. 7 (1). pp 48-71. DOI: 10.1177/1555412012440308 

By Adedoyin Kudehinbu

When I first set an eye on Sweden as my destination for a third degree, it was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Truth be told, I didn’t know much about the country beyond its capital, Stockholm. A city I’d proudly name whenever friends quizzed me on world capitals. My fascination with geography had always been strong, and this new adventure promised to be a thrilling addition to my story. The idea of studying abroad began as a vague dream, but as I delved into researching post-graduate programs, Sweden consistently popped up as an excellent choice.

Encouraged by glowing recommendations and the promise of world-class education, I navigated months of applications, sleepless nights, with anxious anticipation. When the acceptance letter finally came through, I was overjoyed but the reality of moving to a far colder and culturally different country soon set in. Landing at Copenhagen Airport on a calm Friday morning, I felt both exhilarated and exhausted after an 18-hour journey filled with layovers. Despite my fatigue, I knew I had to hurry to make it to Växjö in time for my school’s registration deadline. I booked a three-hour train ride and rolled my bags across the station. The cold hit me like a wave. It felt like I’d stepped into a giant freezer. Coming from Nigeria, a country of warm, sunny days and predictable weather, this was my first real encounter with Nordic winter. It was shocking and revitalizing all at once— a moment I’ll never forget.

Adjusting to life in Sweden has been an adventure. There are countless little joys that make the experience unique. One of the first things I noticed was the emphasis on personal space. You get to have more than one seat space to yourself on the bus. Initially I found it weird, why should a person choose to stand when there is clearly an empty seat beside me? It was difficult to wrap my head around, but I soon viewed it as a blessing, its more leg room and quiet for me anyway!

Sweden’s nature also captivated me. Coming from a two-season climate, witnessing the changing seasons here is awe-inspiring. Watching trees go from bare in winter to bursting with life in spring has become one of my favorite things. Another highlight is the courtesy I have experienced on the road. Seeing cars and buses stop for pedestrians at crosswalks is a refreshing change. While I always make eye contact with drivers to ensure safety, I never forget to wave in gratitude, it’s a simple act of kindness that warms my heart every time.

While life in Sweden has its perks, there are some things I deeply miss about home. One of the biggest is the sense of community. In Nigeria, communal living is part of our culture. There’s always someone around for a quick chat, a shared meal, or a neighborly favor. Here, I’ve often felt the isolation of individualism. It’s not uncommon to go days without bumping into anyone on my floor, and when I do, interactions are brief. Even though I live in a 19-story building I am often by myself on the elevator. Often, I hear my neighbor’s door open after mine has been shut, almost seem like they were waiting for me to exit the corridor to avoid little to no contact, that’s how less intrusive they are. Guess who now does the same. Yeah, you guessed right!

Another thing I miss dearly is African cuisine. There’s something irreplaceable about the taste and richness of Nigerian street food. From spicy suya to jollof rice to pounded yam and egusi soup, how about the locally made rich drinks like, tiger nuts and zobo, our meals are as flavorful as they are comforting. Finding the ingredients to recreate these dishes in Sweden has been challenging, which only deepens my longing for home. 

I equally miss the festive spirit of Nigeria. Back home, December is synonymous with festivities, beach outings, family gatherings, and lively parties. We call it ‘Detty December’, and it’s a whirlwind of joy and celebration. Looking out the snowy streets of Växjö, I know this year’s holiday season will be quieter, but I’m determined to make the most of it. As much as I miss home, I know that studying and living abroad is enriching my life in ways I never imagined. Every new experience, whether challenging or joyful, adds a unique chapter to my story.

Sweden is teaching me to embrace change, appreciate solitude, and find beauty in the unfamiliar. Life, after all, is a journey meant to be explored. And as I navigate the snow-covered streets of this Nordic country, I remind myself: variety truly is the spice of life. To anyone considering a similar leap, I say, pack your bags, keep an open mind, and prepare for a journey that will change your perspective forever. Here’s to new adventures, cultural exchanges, and the memories yet to be made!

By Felicia Ardelean

Introduction: Reframing the Roman Conquest

The Roman conquest of Dacia was more than just a military victory—it was a profound act of colonization that reshaped the region’s identity. While often framed as a story of civilization and progress, this transformation raises important questions about cultural erasure, power, and resistance. This blog post examines the contrast between Sarmizegetusa Regia, the sacred heart of Dacia, and Colonia Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the Roman-imposed colony, to challenge dominant narratives of conquest and explore the lasting impacts of Roman imperialism through a decolonial lens.

Rome’s Triumph and Transformation

After intense wars (101–102 AD, 105–106 AD), Emperor Trajan conquered Dacia, reshaping its landscape. Dacian sanctuaries were destroyed, the native population declined significantly, and about 40.000 Roman troops settled in. Unlike other provinces, Dacia saw rapid colonization rather than gradual assimilation. Roman historian Flavius Eutropius documented this rapid transformation, with Sarmizegetusa serving as a notable example.

Two Sarmizegetusas: Dacian vs. Roman

Before the Roman conquest, Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital and most significant military, religious, and political centre of the Dacian kingdom. Situated in the Orăștie Mountains, it served as the stronghold of Dacian kings, including Decebal, and housed grand sanctuaries dedicated to their deities. The city was heavily fortified, featuring an advanced defensive system and impressive stone structures.

Following Trajan’s victory in 106 AD, the Romans sought to establish their dominance by creating a new city: Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa. This settlement, about 40 km away from the former Dacian capital, was built as a colony for Roman veterans and functioned as an administrative and economic centre rather than a capital in the modern sense. Unlike Sarmizegetusa Regia, which was a sacred and strategic centre for the Dacians, the Roman Sarmizegetusa symbolized colonization, urban planning, and the cultural transformation of Dacia.

 Map of the Two Sarmizegetusas (Source: istorieveche.ro)

A Symbolic Stronghold

The story of Dacia’s transformation is vividly depicted on Trajan’s Column in Rome. This monumental relief, completed in 113 AD, chronicles the conquest through detailed carvings of battles, fortifications, and Roman engineering achievements. While Colonia Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa itself is not explicitly represented, the column portrays key moments of Romanization, including military encampments, road construction, and the establishment of new settlements—elements essential to Dacia’s transformation.

 

Trajan’s campaign in Dacia, Sarmatian and Roman cavalry at battle during Trajan’s campaign in Dacia, relief from Trajan’s Column, Rome. (Source: Encyclopædia Britannica)

Founded in 106 AD, Colonia Ulpia Traiana Augusta Dacica Sarmizegetusa was more than a city—it was Rome’s statement of power. Strategically placed between Transylvania and the Danube, it also held symbolic weight, reclaiming the site of past Roman defeats. The Romans kept its Dacian name, cementing their rule over the former kingdom.

Initially a military fortress, it grew into an administrative and economic centre. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t the capital of Roman Dacia but served as the province’s administrative headquarters. Yet, the true importance of this distant territory to Rome remains a subject of debate. Was it purely strategic, or did it hold deeper economic or symbolic value? Its true significance remains an open question.

Conclusion: Decolonizing the Narrative

Today, the ruins of Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa in Romania offer a glimpse into a once-thriving Roman settlement. Visitors can explore ancient forums, streets, and remnants of imperial ambitions. However, beyond the grandeur of Roman engineering lies a more profound story—the material legacy of imperial expansion. The transformation of Sarmizegetusa was not simply an urban project; it was an act of colonial domination that imposed a new order on conquered people. By reflecting on this history, we can challenge the traditional glorification of empire and consider the perspectives of those whose voices were silenced. Re-examining Rome’s legacy in Dacia through a decolonial lens deepens our understanding of the broader patterns of conquest, resistance, and cultural survival that continue to shape our world today.

The Ancient Ruins of Sarmizegetusa (Source: PeMeleaguri.ro)

For Further Reading

Bărbulescu, Mihai et al., Istoria României [History of Romania]. Bucharest: Corint Educațional, 2014. 

Cassius, Dio. Roman History, Books 67–68. Translated by Earnest Cary. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1925. 

Eutropius, Flavius. Breviarium Historiae Romanae. Translated by H.W. Bird. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 1993.

MacKendrick, Paul. The Dacian Stones Speak. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1975.

Oțetea, Andrei. Istoria României [History of Romania]. Bucharest: Editura Științifică, 1970.