Hoen Hoard

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hoen Hoard was uncovered in 1848 near the village of Hoen in Norway and dates back to the late 9th to early 10th centuries.
2. It contains over 300 objects, including silver jewelry, ingots, and a variety of coins from different regions, indicating extensive trade connections.
3. The presence of Islamic dirhams among the hoard's contents suggests that Vikings engaged in long-distance trade with the Islamic world.
4. Items found in the Hoen Hoard reflect not just wealth but also cultural exchange, as they include artifacts from various cultures that interacted with the Vikings.
5. The hoard is an important resource for understanding Viking economic practices and their role in the larger context of European trade during the Viking Age.

Review Questions

• How does the Hoen Hoard illustrate the economic activities of the Vikings during their expansion?
  • The Hoen Hoard serves as a concrete example of Viking economic practices, showcasing a variety of artifacts that point to active trade networks. The diversity of items, including local and foreign coins and jewelry, reflects the Vikings' engagement with different cultures and economies. This hoard highlights how the Vikings not only focused on raiding but also on commerce and exchange, further indicating their adaptability and strategic acumen in expanding their reach.
• Discuss the significance of the materials found in the Hoen Hoard in understanding Viking trade networks.
  • The materials found in the Hoen Hoard are significant as they reveal intricate details about Viking trade networks. The inclusion of Islamic dirhams alongside local items demonstrates that Vikings were not isolated but actively participated in global trade routes connecting Europe and the Middle East. This suggests that they had access to a wide range of goods and ideas, enhancing our understanding of cultural exchanges during this period.
• Evaluate how discoveries like the Hoen Hoard impact our understanding of Viking interactions with other cultures.
  • Discoveries like the Hoen Hoard profoundly impact our understanding of Viking interactions by highlighting their roles as traders as well as raiders. The diverse array of artifacts found within this hoard indicates that Vikings were engaged in cultural exchanges with various civilizations. By analyzing these items, researchers can piece together how such interactions influenced Viking society, economy, and even artistry, reshaping our perception of them from mere conquerors to complex participants in a global marketplace.

Related terms

Viking Trade Routes: The complex network of maritime and overland routes established by the Vikings for trade, connecting Scandinavia with Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Hoard: A collection of valuable items, typically buried or hidden, often containing coins, jewelry, and other artifacts, usually associated with past societies.

Silver Pennies: Coins minted during the Viking Age that were used widely in trade, often found in hoards and indicative of the economic practices of the time.