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Trade
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Some Vikings became very wealthy, not through booty seized in raids but through honest trade. Objects found in graves come from most parts of Europe and even Asia. Although some may be stolen goods, many were obtained through trade. In the early years, most trade took the form of barter - exchanging one kind of goods for another. But as time went on and the Vikings grew richer, more and more goods were bought and sold for money. Possibly the most valuable Viking exports were slaves and furs. Norway provided much of the fur trade and also exported timber, but it had to import grain, which could not easily be grown in the far north. Other imports included wine, salt, cloth, pottery, and glass.
(A) SLAVES
Slaves were among the Vikings' most valuable exports. They were prisoners captured in Viking raids.
(B) TRADERS
Traders from many parts of Europe and even the Middle East visited Scandinavian trade centres.
(C) WINE
The Vikings could not grow grapes because the climate was too cold. They imported wine from Germany and France.
(D) SHIPS
Merchant ships were broader and deeper than warships. Some could carry 40 or 50 tons of cargo. They had a smaller crew and therefore depended mainly on sail, using oars only when necessary.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
Trade
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