Births on February 2

Johannes Schefferus, Swedish author and hymn-writer (d. 1679)

Johannes Schefferus (February 2, 1621 – March 26, 1679) stands as one of the most eminent Swedish humanists of the 17th century, a period often referred to as Sweden's Age of Great Power. Renowned for his profound scholarship and extensive literary output, he was also known by the epithet Angelus, possibly reflecting his pious nature or his contributions to religious literature, including the composition of hymns.

Born in Strasbourg, a prominent intellectual center that was then part of the Holy Roman Empire, Schefferus hailed from the distinguished Scheffer patrician family. This social standing provided him with access to excellent educational opportunities. He pursued his university studies in his native city of Strasbourg and briefly at the prestigious Leiden University in the Dutch Republic, which was a leading hub for classical scholarship, theology, and law during that era. His academic excellence led to his appointment in 1648 as the Professor Skytteanus of eloquence and government at Uppsala University. This highly esteemed chair, endowed by the statesman Johan Skytte, was central to the university's curriculum, focusing on rhetoric, political theory, and history. Schefferus held this pivotal position for 31 years until his death in 1679, profoundly shaping generations of Swedish intellectuals and civil servants.

Beyond his professorial duties, Schefferus dedicated significant time to pioneering philological and archaeological studies. These fields, central to Renaissance humanism, involved the critical study of ancient texts and material culture to reconstruct historical narratives accurately. His groundbreaking work, De orbibus tribus aureis (On the Three Golden Rings/Circles), published in 1658, is widely recognized as the very first publication on Swedish archaeology, marking a foundational moment for the discipline in Sweden. This work likely involved interpretations of ancient monuments and runic inscriptions, contributing to the understanding of Sweden's early history.

Another of Schefferus's most celebrated works is Lapponia (1673), a comprehensive ethnographic account of the Sami people. This detailed study, which explored their customs, language, and way of life in the remote northern regions, garnered considerable popularity across Europe. Its appeal stemmed from a widespread European curiosity about distant cultures and the natural history of the Nordic lands. Despite its international acclaim, a full translation of Lapponia into Swedish (under the title Lappland) did not occur until 1956, highlighting a curious delay in domestic accessibility compared to its European reception.

His intellectual legacy continued posthumously with the publication of Suecia literata (“The Learned Sweden”) in 1680. This extensive work is a significant bibliographical history of science in Sweden, offering invaluable insights into the intellectual landscape and scholarly pursuits of the era.

In his later life, Johannes Schefferus became embroiled in a notable intellectual dispute with Olof Verelius (1618–1682), another prominent Swedish scholar of the time. The core of their disagreement centered on the precise location of the Temple at Uppsala, a revered pagan Norse religious site. This dispute was part of a larger intellectual climate in 17th-century Sweden, characterized by intense nationalistic debates often referred to as Gothicism, which sought to link Sweden to the ancient Goths and establish a glorious past. Schefferus, employing more critical philological and archaeological methods, posited that the temple's remnants should be sought near the present-day Helga Trefaldighets kyrka (Church of the Holy Trinity) in Uppsala. In stark contrast, Verelius and his adherents often championed Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) as the definitive site, aligning with a more traditional and nationalistically charged narrative.

Tragically, historical research has revealed that Schefferus’s opponents frequently resorted to forgery to counter his meticulously argued positions. These fabrications, which included falsified runic inscriptions and altered medieval texts, aimed to bolster their own nationalist claims and discredit Schefferus’s more rigorous, evidence-based scholarship. A significant casualty of these manipulative practices was the Codex Argenteus, also known as the Silver Bible. This invaluable 6th-century manuscript, containing Ulfilas's Gothic translation of the Gospels and representing the largest surviving Gothic text, was reportedly retouched in parts. This alteration was presumably an attempt to align the ancient text with contemporary historical narratives or to substantiate particular nationalistic theories, further underscoring the unscrupulous tactics employed during these intellectual battles.

In 1648, Schefferus solidified his ties within Uppsala's academic elite by marrying Regina Loccenia. She was the daughter of Johannes Loccenius, who had himself served as a Professor Skytteanus from 1628 to 1642, demonstrating a clear academic lineage and continuity within this prestigious chair. Together, Johannes and Regina had two sons.

Frequently Asked Questions about Johannes Schefferus

Who was Johannes Schefferus?

Johannes Schefferus was a highly influential Swedish humanist, scholar, and professor during the 17th century. He is best known for his pioneering work in Swedish archaeology and ethnography, particularly his studies on the Sami people, and for his long tenure as Professor Skytteanus at Uppsala University.

What was the significance of the Professor Skytteanus chair at Uppsala University?

The Professor Skytteanus chair was a prestigious position endowed by Johan Skytte, focusing on eloquence, government, and history. It was a pivotal role in Swedish academia, aiming to educate future statesmen and promote a deeper understanding of classical rhetoric and political theory, making Schefferus a key figure in the intellectual development of Sweden.

What were Schefferus's most important publications?

His most notable works include De orbibus tribus aureis (1658), the first publication on Swedish archaeology; Lapponia (1673), a comprehensive ethnographic study of the Sami people; and the posthumously published Suecia literata (1680), a significant bibliography of the history of science in Sweden.

Why was Johannes Schefferus involved in an intellectual dispute over the Temple at Uppsala?

Schefferus was involved in a dispute with Olof Verelius concerning the exact location of the ancient pagan Temple at Uppsala. This disagreement was part of a broader "Gothicism" movement in 17th-century Sweden, where scholars debated historical narratives, often with nationalistic aims. Schefferus adopted a more critical, evidence-based approach, which conflicted with the more nationalist-driven claims of his opponents.

What is the significance of the retouching of the Codex Argenteus in relation to Schefferus?

The retouching of parts of the Codex Argenteus (Silver Bible), the largest surviving Gothic text, is believed to be linked to the forgeries used by Schefferus's opponents during the Temple at Uppsala dispute. These alterations were likely made to manipulate historical evidence and support specific nationalistic narratives, highlighting the intellectual dishonesty faced by Schefferus.