Viking-Age Trade

This insightful exploration of the slave trade during the ninth and tenth centuries highlights its significance within the context of Viking-Age Trade.

This volume, Viking-Age Trade, delves into the intricate slave trade that flourished during the ninth and tenth centuries, showcasing how it fueled exchanges on a trans-continental scale. By combining general surveys with regional case studies, the book provides a more structured understanding of Gotland's role in the early medieval slave trade than has been previously available. It emphasizes the complexity of these trade networks, which were often elusive even to those living at the time.

The influx of silver dirhams from the Muslim world into eastern and northern Europe is a well-documented phenomenon, particularly concentrated on the Baltic island of Gotland. Recent archaeological discoveries have revealed that these dirhams also made their way to the British Isles. While the fur trade has often been cited as a primary driver for these transactions, Viking-Age Trade posits that the slave trade played a significant and complementary role in this economic exchange.

Although the book does not aim to provide a comprehensive account of hoard finds or a definitive answer to the question of why silver was brought north, it does illuminate the slave trade's pivotal role in shaping these economic interactions. Contributions within the volume explore various aspects, including the mints of Central Asia, the chronology of dirham inflows to Rus and northern Europe, and the functioning of intricate trade networks that may parallel modern-day drug trafficking. This multifaceted approach ensures a richer understanding of the dynamics at play during this fascinating period in history.