Trade and
Industry
By sailing round the coasts of Europe and navigating its great rivers and inland seas, the Vikings were able to explore and find markets for their goods in far-flung places. They exchanged things that were abundant in the north – like amber, furs and wax – for more exotic goods like wine, silk and especially silver.
For much of the Viking Age, the Vikings didn’t use money. Precious metal (including coins) was melted down, chopped up and measured by its weight. Viking kings started to produce money in the tenth century, partly to prove that they were just as powerful and cultured as their neighbours.
How did Vikings trade?
Lead weight with coin of Ethelred I
Cuerdale Hoard
Eric Bloodaxe coin
Work
When they weren’t travelling the rivers and oceans, Viking men and women had work to do.
Farming was the main source of livelihood for most people, but there were also craft industries. Metalworking, carpentry, leatherworking and textile production were important skills.
