Vikings and International Trade

Question 1

how did the 19th century influence the image of Vikings?

Answer 1

it constructed the idea of all Vikings being warriors and the myth of the horned helmet

Question 2

was there a unified viking culture or group?

Answer 2

no, Vikings were multi-lingual with varied cultural interactions

Question 3

what was a major technological development that enabled Viking raids?

Answer 3

the development of sophisticated ships like the Oseberg ship (9th century)

Question 4

what were some causes of Viking raids?

Answer 4

political strife, competition for marriage alliances, ship technology, an inflow of silver and other valuable goods, and the desirability of travel

Question 5

what significant hoard was found containing Arabic dirhams?

Answer 5

the Spillings Hoard (9th century) with 67kgs of silver, including 14,295 coins

Question 6

what was the impact of Viking raids on Irish churches?

Answer 6

violent raids from 795-851, with Dublin becoming a permenant Viking settlement

Question 7

what misconception exists about Viking raiding activity?

Answer 7

that it ceased; in reality, raiding continued alongside farming

Question 8

how did the Medieval Warm Period affect Viking settlements?

Answer 8

it made settlements in places like the Faroe Islands and Greenland viable

Question 9

what significant parliamentary site was established in Iceland?

Answer 9

Þingvellir, the location of the Althing, Iceland’s early parliament

Question 10

who was Erik the Red and what did he do?

Answer 10

he was exiled from Iceland and travelled to Greenland, establishing settlements there in the 980s

Question 11

what is ‘Dorset culture’?

Answer 11

a term applied by archaeologists - a period of material culture and the hunting of sea animals

Question 12

what were the Viking trade routes that stretched to the Caspian Sea?

Answer 12

the River Volga route through Russia

Question 13

what is significant about Viking age silk?

Answer 13

it was not produced in Northern Europe but was traded from Byzantium and China

Question 14

how did the Vikings maintain their expansive networks?

Answer 14

through permanent settlements, laws, communication, and travelling by sea or river

Question 15

what are the Lewis Chessmen and their significance?

Answer 15

made from walrus ivory from Greenland, carved in Norway, and buried in the Hebrides, indicating long-distance trade

Question 16

what were some of the Viking trade networks during the Viking age?

Answer 16

they included Britain, Francia, Ireland, other Scandinavian settlements, the Silk Road, and Europe

Question 17

how did the Vikings’ need for timber influence their exploration?

Answer 17

it prompted exploration on the coast of Canada, including Labrador (Markland) and Newfoundland (Vinland)

Question 18

what kind of society did the Vikings create to maintain their networks?

Answer 18

a slave-owning society with laws and communication systems

Question 19

what were the Faroe Islands’ settlements prior to the Vikings?

Answer 19

they were previously settled by Irish monks in hermit settlements

Question 20

what was the significance of the Cuerdale Hoard found in Lancashire?

Answer 20

it contained 8,600 silver items and 7,000 coins, reflecting the extent of Viking settlement and trade in England

Question 21

what was the purpose of Viking raids in addition to plundering for treasure?

Answer 21

they also engaged in raids for political reasons, such as forming alliances or gaining power