Norse Atlantic Trade

Definition

Norse Atlantic Trade refers to the network of commerce established by the Norse peoples during the Viking Age, connecting Scandinavia to various regions across the North Atlantic, including the British Isles, Greenland, and North America. This trade network was essential for the exchange of goods such as furs, timber, and silver, contributing significantly to the economic landscape of the Norse society and its currency systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Norse Atlantic Trade flourished from around 800 to 1100 CE, during which Norse traders traveled extensively across the North Atlantic.
2. The trade routes linked Scandinavia with the British Isles, Iceland, Greenland, and even parts of North America like Vinland.
3. Key commodities in this trade included furs from North America, timber from Scandinavia, and silver coins from Islamic states.
4. The use of silver as currency emerged from this trade, leading to the establishment of a complex economy within Norse society.
5. Archaeological findings in trading sites like Dublin and York reveal significant evidence of cultural exchange and economic interactions resulting from Norse Atlantic Trade.

Review Questions

• How did Norse Atlantic Trade influence the economic systems of Norse societies during the Viking Age?
  • Norse Atlantic Trade played a crucial role in shaping the economic systems of Norse societies by facilitating the exchange of valuable goods and resources. This commerce not only allowed for the acquisition of foreign items like silver coins but also enabled the development of a silver economy that was central to Norse wealth. The interaction with different cultures through trade enriched Norse society and provided access to materials that were scarce in Scandinavia.
• Discuss the impact of Viking longships on Norse Atlantic Trade and their significance for exploration.
  • Viking longships were pivotal to Norse Atlantic Trade as they provided the ability to navigate rough seas and shallow rivers effectively. Their design allowed for swift travel over long distances and facilitated both trade and exploration. As a result, these ships enabled Vikings to reach new markets, establish trading posts across the North Atlantic, and connect with diverse cultures, making them instrumental in expanding the Norse economy.
• Evaluate how archaeological evidence from trading sites contributes to our understanding of Norse Atlantic Trade's cultural significance.
  • Archaeological evidence from sites like Dublin and York provides valuable insights into the cultural significance of Norse Atlantic Trade by revealing artifacts that highlight interactions between different communities. Items such as imported silver coins and luxury goods illustrate how trade fostered connections between diverse cultures. These findings help us understand how trade not only contributed to economic prosperity but also facilitated cultural exchanges that influenced social structures, craftsmanship, and daily life within Norse society.

Related terms

Silver Economy: An economic system that relied heavily on silver as a medium of exchange and a measure of wealth, which became prominent in Norse trade.

Viking Longships:

Innovative ships that allowed the Vikings to travel vast distances across oceans, facilitating their trade and exploration.

Trade Goods: Various items exchanged in Norse trade, including textiles, metalwork, and luxury items such as amber and glassware.