Viking-Age hoard reveals trade between England and the Islamic World
9 days ago
- #Islamic silver
- #Medieval trade
- #Viking archaeology
- Viking-Age silver hoard discovered in Bedale, North Yorkshire, reveals trade links between England and the Islamic world.
- The hoard, found in 2012, includes necklaces, arm-bands, a sword pommel, hacksilver, and 29 silver ingots.
- Dating to the late 9th to early 10th centuries AD, it predates the Cuerdale and Vale of York hoards.
- Research shows much of the silver came from trade networks extending into the Islamic world, not just local plunder.
- Analysis indicates silver originated from western European coinage and Islamic dirhams from Iran and Iraq.
- Nine ingots (nearly a third of the hoard) matched silver from the Islamic Caliphate.
- Evidence of advanced Viking metalworking found, including refined silver with North Pennines lead.
- A twisted-rod neck-ring was cast in northern England using a blend of eastern and western silver.
- Viking wealth came from both military and commercial strategies, including trade and recasting foreign silver.
- The hoard highlights Viking-Age England's integration into a Eurasian economic network.
- Modern scientific techniques reveal the complexity of early medieval trade and settlement.