Vikings Flashcards
Where did Volga Vikings first settle in the east in the 8th century?
Vikings form small settlements along the river systems of Western Russia for repairing boats, collecting food supplies and picking up news of trade
During the 9th century, how did settlement along river routes in the east develop?
The Rus population rose and settlements became towns. By the middle of the 9th century, Vikings controlled towns along river routes
(Intergrated with Slavic people
What did the Volga Vikings build at Novgorod in 860?
In 860 they built major fortifications by order of the leader Rurik
What did Ruric’s heir Oleg do to Kiev in 882?
Oleg turned Kiev, Russias state, into a trading town
What significant change did Vladimir do to Kiev in 988?
Converted it into Christianity and cement his alliance with the Byzantine Empire by marrying the Emperors sister
What did Vladimir’s son Yaroslav the Wise do to further Christianity in 1024?
He completed the golden gates of Kiev with a Byzantine church behind it.
What were the main goods the Volga Vikings traded with the Arab world?
-high quality furs
-honey
-amber
-thralls (slaves)
What did the Volga Vikings receive in exchange for their goods from the Arab World?
-silk
-silver coins
-spices
How was trade with the Arab World and the Byzantine Empire different?
Byzantine Empire was tightly controlled; the Vikings had to be granted permission by the Emperor to trade in Constinople unlike the Arab World
What was the importance and part the city of Constinople played in Viking trade?
Constinople offered luxury items which allowed them to acquire wealth and materials that would be otherwise unavailable to them
What did the Volga Vikings trade and get from constinople?
Volga Vikings got:
-precious metals
-silk
-glassware
In exchange they traded:
-slaves
-timbre
-wax
-(other essentials)
What was the Varangian Guard and their significance?
Elite Viking soldiers who acted as bodyguards for the Emperor. This demonstrates how the Vikings integrated into the Byzantine Empire.
How did trade and military services influence Viking Culture and society in the East?
Exposed them to Byzantine politics, military, religion and customs. Trade= created a beneficial bond between Vikings and the East
What were Harold Bluetooths main achievements?
Unification of Denmark (used diplomacy and military strength to unify regions together)
Christianity conversion (converted Denmark to Christianity (caused major culture shift and aligned with growing power of Europe politics)
When was Harold Bluetooth King of Denmark?
From 958 to 986
