The history of Stockholm
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How Stockholm got its name
How Stockholm got its name actually not known. But one of the legends tells about a stock (piece of timber) that played an important role. When Sigtuna was wrecked by Karelian and Estonian tribes in 1187, lots of people fled to other areas. A stock (piece of timber) that was hollowed out and filled with precious belonging (jewels, silver, etc.) was put in the water. It was decided that were the stock would land would be the place for the new settlement. The stock landed at an island that later was called Stockholmen, after that Stadsholmen and now is this island is called the Gamla Stan in Stockholm.
I really love this legend, but of course it is unknown if it is true. Another legend, hahaha, much more boring in my opinion, says that the name comes from the stock (pieces of timber) that were drilled down the bottom of the inlet to hinder an attack from foreign navies. This was a method used by most of the settlements along the waterside as a protection.
The first time that Stockholm is mentioned is in 1252. In 1388 the city is given full city rights.

