4.3 Commodities and goods
11 min read•august 21, 2024
Viking trade was a dynamic force shaping early medieval Europe and beyond. From everyday necessities to exotic luxuries, the exchange of diverse goods fueled Viking expansion and cultural interactions across vast regions.
Agricultural products, craft goods, raw materials, and luxury items formed the backbone of Viking commerce. These commodities connected Scandinavia to a vast network spanning from North America to Central Asia, facilitating economic exchange and cultural diffusion.
Types of Viking commodities
- Viking trade significantly shaped the economic landscape of early medieval Europe and beyond
- Commodities exchanged by Vikings ranged from everyday necessities to exotic luxuries
- Trade in diverse goods fueled Viking expansion and cultural interactions across vast regions
Agricultural products
Top images from around the web for Agricultural products
File:Viking expansion.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Viking Age - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Viking Expansion-pt.svg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Viking expansion.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Viking Age - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Agricultural products
File:Viking expansion.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Viking Age - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Viking Expansion-pt.svg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Viking expansion.png - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Viking Age - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Grains cultivated in Scandinavia (barley, rye, oats) traded locally and regionally
- Livestock and animal products including wool, , and dairy formed important export items
- Honey and beeswax from forest beekeeping became valuable commodities in long-distance trade
- Dried or salted fish, particularly cod from Norway, emerged as a major Viking export
Craft goods
- Textiles produced from wool and linen ranked among the most important Viking craft exports
- Jewelry crafted from precious metals and gemstones showcased Viking metalworking skills
- and tools, especially high-quality swords, were sought after across Europe and beyond
- Bone and antler items like combs and gaming pieces demonstrated Viking craftsmanship
Raw materials
- Timber from Scandinavian forests supplied shipbuilding needs across Northern Europe
- ore extracted from bog iron deposits fueled Viking metalworking industries
- Soapstone quarried in Norway used for cooking vessels and other utilitarian objects
- collected along Baltic coasts highly prized for jewelry and decorative items
Luxury items
- Furs from Arctic regions, particularly sable and ermine, commanded high prices in distant markets
- Walrus ivory from Norse Greenland settlements rivaled elephant ivory in medieval Europe
- Silk acquired through eastern trade routes redistributed to Western European elites
- Spices and exotic goods obtained from long-distance trade enhanced Viking merchants' profits
Trade networks and routes
- Viking connected Scandinavia to a vast area spanning from North America to Central Asia
- These trade routes facilitated not only economic exchange but also cultural and technological diffusion
- The development of maritime technology enabled Vikings to establish and maintain far-reaching trade connections
Local exchange systems
- Village markets and seasonal gatherings facilitated trade within Scandinavian communities
- Coastal trading sites emerged as focal points for local exchange of fish, agricultural surplus, and crafts
- Inland waterways and portages connected interior regions to coastal trading networks
- Local chieftains and landowners often controlled and benefited from these exchange systems
Regional trade patterns
- Baltic Sea trade linked Scandinavian, Slavic, and Finnic peoples in a complex economic network
- North Sea commerce connected Viking territories with Frisian, Anglo-Saxon, and Frankish markets
- Irish Sea region saw intensive Norse-Gaelic trade interactions and settlement patterns
- Varangian trade routes along Russian rivers connected Scandinavia to Byzantium and the Islamic world
Long-distance trade routes
- Eastern route (Austrvegr) traversed Russian rivers to reach Byzantium and the Abbasid Caliphate
- Western route (Vestrvegr) extended Viking trade to the British Isles, France, and the Mediterranean
- North Atlantic route connected Norway to Norse settlements in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland
- connections indirectly linked Viking traders to Central and East Asian markets
Production and manufacturing
- Viking Age production ranged from household crafts to large-scale specialized manufacturing
- Archaeological evidence reveals diverse production methods and scales across Scandinavia
- Technological innovations in production often resulted from trade contacts and
Specialized craft centers
- Urban centers like and developed into hubs for specialized craft production
- Metalworking workshops in these towns produced high-quality jewelry, weapons, and tools
- Glassworking facilities in some created beads and other decorative items
- Specialized textile production centers emerged, particularly for high-quality woolen cloth
Household production
- Rural households engaged in diverse craft activities alongside agricultural production
- Textile production, including spinning and weaving, was a common household industry
- Bone and antler working for tools and personal items occurred at the household level
- Small-scale metalworking, especially for everyday tools, took place in many farmsteads
Industrial-scale operations
- Large-scale iron production sites developed in resource-rich areas like central Sweden
- Shipbuilding yards in coastal regions constructed vessels for both trade and warfare
- Salt production facilities along coastlines supplied this essential commodity to inland areas
- Specialized fishing stations in Norway processed large quantities of cod for export markets
Currency and exchange
- Viking Age economic transactions involved a complex mix of barter, , and coined money
- The gradual shift towards monetized economies varied across different regions of the Viking world
- Understanding of weights and measures was crucial for facilitating trade across diverse systems
Barter systems
- Direct exchange of goods remained common, especially in local and regional trade networks
- Standardized trade goods like textiles sometimes functioned as commodity money
- Livestock, particularly cattle, often served as a measure of value in barter transactions
- Barter systems persisted alongside more advanced forms of currency throughout the Viking Age
Hacksilver and bullion
- Silver bullion, often in the form of ingots, served as a widely accepted medium of exchange
- , consisting of cut pieces of silver objects, allowed for precise weighing in transactions
- Testing of silver purity using nicking and pecking techniques ensured value in bullion trade
- Arm rings and neck rings made of precious metals sometimes functioned as both jewelry and currency
Coins and minting
- flowed into Scandinavia through eastern trade routes, influencing local economies
- Anglo-Saxon and circulated widely in Viking territories due to trade and raiding
- Scandinavian rulers gradually established their own minting operations, starting in the late 10th century
- Weight standards for coins varied, necessitating the continued use of scales in many transactions
Archaeological evidence
- Material remains of Viking trade provide crucial insights into economic patterns and cultural connections
- Diverse archaeological contexts yield evidence of commodities, trade routes, and exchange practices
- Ongoing excavations and scientific analyses continue to refine our understanding of Viking Age commerce
Shipwreck cargo
- Skuldelev ships in Roskilde Fjord reveal diverse cargoes including stone, timber, and iron
- Oseberg ship burial contains luxury items indicating long-distance trade connections
- Gokstad ship find includes exotic woods suggesting trade with distant regions
- Underwater archaeology in harbors and sea routes continues to uncover evidence of Viking maritime trade
Market site assemblages
- excavations in Norway provide evidence of craft production and international trade
- Birka in Sweden yields rich assemblages of imported goods from across the Viking world
- York (Jorvik) excavations reveal the material culture of a thriving Viking Age trading town
- Dublin excavations showcase the blend of Norse and Irish material culture in a major trading port
Hoards and caches
- in England contains over 8,600 items, mostly silver coins and hacksilver
- on Gotland is the largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found, weighing 67 kg
- includes coins and objects from diverse regions, illustrating trade networks
- in Norway contains gold jewelry showing connections to both Islamic and Frankish sources
Social implications of trade
- Viking trade profoundly impacted social structures, cultural practices, and power dynamics
- The accumulation of wealth through trade contributed to the emergence of new elites
- Cross-cultural interactions facilitated by trade led to the adoption of new ideas and technologies
Wealth accumulation
- Successful merchants amassed considerable fortunes, challenging traditional power structures
- Trade wealth enabled the financing of voyages of exploration and settlement
- Accumulation of silver through trade provided the means for political consolidation by rulers
- Wealth from trade allowed for patronage of artisans and the commissioning of monumental works
Status symbols
- Imported luxury goods became markers of high status in Viking society
- Exotic clothing and textiles signaled wealth and cosmopolitan connections
- Ornate weapons combining local craftsmanship with imported materials displayed elite status
- Possession of foreign coins and weights demonstrated involvement in long-distance trade
Cultural exchange
- Adoption of foreign religious symbols and practices often resulted from trade contacts
- Artistic styles and motifs from distant cultures influenced Scandinavian art and craftsmanship
- Culinary practices evolved with the introduction of new ingredients and cooking techniques
- Language borrowings related to trade enriched Old Norse vocabulary
Viking trade goods abroad
- Viking merchants exported a range of goods that were highly valued in foreign markets
- Imports to Scandinavia reflected both practical needs and desires for exotic luxuries
- The balance of trade varied across different regions and periods of the Viking Age
Exports vs imports
- Major Viking exports included furs, amber, honey, wax, and walrus ivory
- Slaves (thralls) captured in raids or purchased from other traders formed a significant export
- Key imports included silver, silk, spices, wine, and high-quality weapons
- Agricultural products like grain were imported to supplement local production in some areas
Demand for Viking products
- Scandinavian furs were prized for their quality in both European and Middle Eastern markets
- Viking-produced woolen textiles, especially sailcloth, were sought after for their durability
- Scandinavian amber was highly valued for jewelry and decorative objects across Europe
- Norse expertise in shipbuilding led to demand for their vessels in some regions
Impact on foreign economies
- Viking demand for silver coins stimulated minting activities in Anglo-Saxon England and the Frankish Empire
- Norse trade networks facilitated the flow of Islamic silver into Northern and Eastern Europe
- Viking merchants played a key role in connecting disparate economic zones across Europe and beyond
- The establishment of Viking trading settlements had lasting impacts on urban development in many regions
Role of emporia
- Emporia or served as crucial nodes in Viking trade networks
- These centers facilitated the exchange of goods between local, regional, and long-distance traders
- Emporia often developed into important urban centers with diverse economic and social functions
Function of trading centers
- Provided secure locations for merchants to conduct transactions and store goods
- Served as points of cultural and technological exchange between diverse groups
- Facilitated the collection of taxes and tolls by local rulers or administrators
- Offered specialized craft production facilities and services to support trade activities
Notable Viking emporia
- Hedeby in modern-day Germany emerged as a major trading hub connecting Scandinavia to Continental Europe
- Birka in Sweden played a crucial role in trade across the Baltic region and with Eastern routes
- Kaupang in Norway served as an important center for North Sea and Atlantic trade connections
- in Russia functioned as a key site for trade between Scandinavians and Eastern Slavs
Layout and organization
- Often situated at strategic coastal or riverine locations with good harbor facilities
- Typically featured a planned layout with designated areas for different activities
- Included specialized structures such as warehouses, workshops, and market spaces
- Often protected by defensive structures like walls or earthworks to ensure security
Trade regulations and practices
- Viking Age trade operated within a framework of customary laws and evolving regulations
- Standardization of weights and measures facilitated trade across different regions
- The development of merchant organizations reflected the increasing complexity of trade networks
Laws and customs
- Thing assemblies in Scandinavia often addressed trade-related disputes and regulations
- Customary laws governed aspects of trade such as contracts, partnerships, and debt
- Some Viking rulers issued formal laws to regulate trade and protect merchant activities
- Guest-friend relationships provided a framework for trust and reciprocity in long-distance trade
Weights and measures
- Standardized weight sets based on the Norse mark system were used across the Viking world
- Folding balances allowed merchants to conduct precise transactions in various settings
- Volume measures for goods like grain or honey varied regionally but showed some standardization
- Length measurements, particularly for textiles, became increasingly standardized over time
Merchant guilds and associations
- Informal networks of traders developed based on kinship and regional affiliations
- Some evidence suggests the emergence of more formal merchant associations in late Viking Age towns
- Partnerships between merchants allowed for risk-sharing in long-distance trade ventures
- The role of felagr (trading partners) was important in organizing and financing trade expeditions
Environmental impact
- Viking trade activities had significant and lasting effects on the environments they encountered
- Resource exploitation to support trade led to changes in landscapes and ecosystems
- The movement of goods facilitated the intentional and unintentional spread of plant and animal species
Resource exploitation
- Intensive hunting of fur-bearing animals altered wildlife populations in many regions
- Timber harvesting for shipbuilding and export impacted forest cover in parts of Scandinavia
- Extraction of bog iron and other minerals led to localized landscape changes
- Overharvesting of walrus populations in the North Atlantic impacted Arctic ecosystems
Landscape modifications
- Construction of harbors and landing sites altered coastal landscapes in many areas
- Development of portage routes between river systems changed inland waterways and surrounding terrain
- Establishment of trading centers led to urbanization and associated environmental impacts
- Agricultural intensification to support trade-based economies transformed rural landscapes
Introduction of new species
- Trade facilitated the spread of domesticated plants and animals to new regions
- Unintentional introduction of pests and weeds occurred through the movement of goods
- Some plant species were deliberately introduced for economic or ornamental purposes
- Movement of ships and goods contributed to the spread of marine organisms to new habitats
Legacy of Viking trade
- The economic systems and trade networks established during the Viking Age had lasting impacts
- Technological and cultural exchanges facilitated by trade contributed to broader societal changes
- Viking trade activities played a crucial role in the economic development of medieval Europe
Economic transformations
- Viking trade contributed to the monetization of Northern European economies
- Establishment of trade routes laid the groundwork for later Hanseatic League networks
- Development of credit systems and financial practices influenced medieval commerce
- Viking trading towns often evolved into important medieval urban centers
Technological advancements
- Shipbuilding techniques refined for trade voyages influenced later naval technologies
- Metallurgical innovations driven by trade demands improved tool and weapon production
- Developments in weighing and measuring systems enhanced commercial practices
- Navigation and cartographic knowledge expanded through long-distance trading activities
Cultural diffusion
- Artistic styles and motifs spread along Viking trade routes, influencing diverse cultures
- Religious ideas, including Christianity, were transmitted partly through trade connections
- Linguistic exchanges along trade routes enriched vocabularies and facilitated communication
- Culinary practices and agricultural techniques diffused through trade-based interactions
Key Terms to Review (29)
Amber: Amber is a fossilized tree resin that has been appreciated for its beauty and rarity, often used in jewelry and as a trade commodity. In the context of historical trade, amber played a significant role as a valuable good that connected various cultures and economies through maritime routes, marketplaces, and trade centers.
Anglo-Saxon coins: Anglo-Saxon coins refer to the currency minted and used during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, roughly from the 5th century to the Norman Conquest in 1066. These coins played a crucial role in the economy, serving as a medium of exchange for goods and services, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners, and providing insights into trade and commerce in early medieval England.
Barter system: The barter system is an economic practice where goods and services are directly exchanged for other goods and services without the use of money as a medium. This system was essential during the Viking Age, facilitating trade among communities through the exchange of commodities, fostering relationships, and creating local economies.
Birka: Birka was a significant Viking Age trading hub located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, Sweden, known for its role as one of the earliest urban settlements in Scandinavia. This site not only served as a bustling marketplace for commerce but also played a key part in connecting various maritime trade routes and fostering cultural exchange during the Viking Age.
Bullion: Bullion refers to precious metals, typically gold and silver, that are in bulk form and valued by weight rather than currency. This term is crucial as it often serves as a primary commodity in trade, representing a standard of wealth and economic power. The existence and circulation of bullion significantly impact both the goods available in markets and the economic dynamics within local populations, influencing trade practices and wealth distribution.
Coin hoards: Coin hoards are collections of coins that have been intentionally buried or hidden, often as a form of saving or protection against theft. These hoards are significant for understanding the economic behaviors of people during the Viking Age, revealing insights into the circulation of currency, trade practices, and the social dynamics surrounding wealth accumulation and storage. Coin hoards provide a tangible link to the past, allowing archaeologists to piece together the broader context of commodities and goods as well as the functioning of a silver-based economy.
Cuerdale Hoard: The Cuerdale Hoard is a significant archaeological find of Viking Age silver, discovered in Cuerdale, Scotland, in the 19th century. This hoard represents a rich collection of precious metal objects and coins that reveal the economic practices, trade networks, and cultural exchanges of the Viking Age, linking them to various commodities and goods circulated during this period.
Cultural Exchange: Cultural exchange refers to the process through which different cultures interact, share, and adopt various aspects such as beliefs, customs, languages, and technologies. This interaction often leads to the blending of traditions and influences that shape societies over time. In the context of historical expansion, trade, and exploration, cultural exchange significantly impacted societies by enhancing communication and understanding between diverse groups.
Economic influence: Economic influence refers to the ability of a person, group, or nation to affect the economic conditions, policies, and decisions of others through various means such as trade, investment, or market control. This concept is particularly relevant when examining the flow of commodities and goods, as it illustrates how economic power can shape relationships between trading partners and impact local economies.
Emporia: Emporia were significant trading centers or marketplaces in the Viking Age that facilitated the exchange of commodities and goods among various cultures. These hubs were crucial for the economic interaction between the Norse and other societies, contributing to the spread of products, ideas, and technologies across regions. Emporia served not only as commercial centers but also as melting pots for cultural exchange, fostering relationships between traders from different backgrounds.
Frankish Coins: Frankish coins were a form of currency used in the Frankish Empire during the early Middle Ages, primarily from the 6th to the 9th centuries. These coins facilitated trade and economic activities across the empire and played a crucial role in the development of a unified monetary system. The design and minting of these coins often reflected the political power and cultural identity of the Frankish rulers, linking commerce to their authority.
Hacksilver: Hacksilver refers to fragments of silver, often cut or broken pieces, used as a form of currency and trade in the Viking Age. This practice highlights the flexible and decentralized nature of Viking commerce, where silver was not just a medium of exchange but also a commodity in itself. Hacksilver played a crucial role in marketplaces, influenced the types of goods exchanged, and affected local economies as communities adapted to the influx of silver.
Hedeby: Hedeby was a significant Viking Age trading settlement located at the southern end of the Jutland peninsula in present-day Denmark. It served as a vital hub for commerce and cultural exchange during the Viking Age, connecting various trade routes and facilitating interactions between different cultures.
Hides: Hides refer to the skins of animals, particularly large mammals, that have been processed for use as a commodity. In the context of trade and economy, hides were highly valued for their durability and versatility, serving various purposes such as clothing, shelter, and trade goods. The processing of hides was a significant industry in many cultures, including those during the Viking Age, contributing to both local economies and long-distance trade networks.
Hoen Hoard: The Hoen Hoard is a significant archaeological find from the Viking Age, discovered in Norway, consisting of various metal artifacts, including coins and jewelry. This hoard provides insight into the economic activities and trade networks of the Vikings, showcasing their connections with other cultures and their use of commodities and goods in everyday life.
Iron: Iron is a metal that has been used since ancient times for various purposes, including tools, weapons, and armor. In the context of the Viking Age, iron became a crucial commodity for both trade and warfare, greatly influencing the technological advancements of the time. Its durability and strength made it an ideal material for crafting essential goods and defensive gear, as well as playing a vital role in metalworking and tool production.
Islamic dirhams: Islamic dirhams were silver coins used as a standard currency in the Islamic world, particularly during the early medieval period. These coins played a vital role in trade and commerce, facilitating transactions across vast regions including the Viking Age marketplaces and influencing the flow of commodities and goods throughout Europe and Asia.
Kaupang: Kaupang refers to an early Viking Age trading settlement or marketplace that served as a hub for commerce, cultural exchange, and social interaction among various groups. These sites were crucial for the Vikings, as they connected their homelands to broader trade networks, facilitated long-distance trade routes, and contributed to the development of towns and marketplaces, shaping the economic landscape of the Viking Age.
Scale Weights: Scale weights are standardized weights used in trade and commerce to ensure accurate measurement of commodities and goods. They played a crucial role in the economy by providing a reliable method for weighing items, allowing merchants to engage in fair transactions and maintain trust among buyers and sellers.
Silk Road: The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between diverse civilizations. It played a crucial role in the development of the economies and societies involved, including those in Viking homelands, where trade activities linked northern Europe to Asia through various maritime routes.
Silver ingots: Silver ingots are standardized bars or blocks of silver, typically used as a form of wealth storage and trade during the Viking Age. These ingots played a crucial role in the economy, facilitating trade both within Viking societies and with neighboring cultures. They were often produced in specific weights and sizes, making them essential for trade transactions and a representation of wealth.
Spillings hoard: A spillings hoard refers to a type of treasure find where coins, jewelry, and other valuable items are discovered in a location where they were buried or hidden. These hoards often indicate past economic activity and can reveal insights about trade, wealth distribution, and social practices in the context of historical societies. Such finds provide crucial evidence for understanding the material culture and economic systems that existed during the Viking Age.
Staraya Ladoga: Staraya Ladoga is an ancient settlement located at the confluence of the Volkhov River and Lake Ladoga, known as a significant trade hub during the Viking Age. This site was pivotal for connecting trade routes between Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, facilitating the exchange of various commodities and goods, while also playing a crucial role in the Scandinavian presence in this region.
Trade networks: Trade networks refer to the interconnected systems of exchange that facilitated the movement of goods, resources, and information across different regions. These networks were essential during various periods, especially in connecting cultures, economies, and societies through the flow of commodities and ideas.
Trading towns: Trading towns were urban centers that developed during the Viking Age, serving as hubs for commerce and exchange of goods. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade routes and interactions between different cultures, contributing to the economic growth and cultural exchange that characterized this era.
Vale of York Hoard: The Vale of York Hoard is a significant archaeological discovery consisting of over 600 Viking Age silver coins, jewelry, and other precious items, unearthed in 2007 near Harrogate, England. This hoard is considered one of the largest collections of Viking treasure found in Britain and provides crucial insights into the economic practices, trade networks, and cultural interactions during the Viking Age.
Varangian Route: The Varangian Route was a significant trade route used during the Viking Age that connected the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, allowing for the exchange of goods and culture between Scandinavia and the Byzantine Empire. This route facilitated the movement of commodities like fur, slaves, amber, and other goods, playing a key role in the economic interactions between different regions.
Viking jewelry: Viking jewelry refers to the ornamental items crafted by the Norse people during the Viking Age, typically made from materials like gold, silver, bronze, and iron. These pieces not only served decorative purposes but also held significant social and cultural value, often indicating status and wealth within Viking society. Jewelry was commonly used in trade and as a form of currency, making it a key commodity in their economy.
Weapons: Weapons are tools or instruments used for combat, defense, or hunting, which played a crucial role in the Viking Age. They were not just functional items but also symbols of status and craftsmanship, often intricately designed and imbued with cultural significance. The production and trade of weapons influenced both the economy and social structures of Viking society.