TRADE
Vikings were powered by a complex and prosperous trade network
DID YOU KNOW? Vikings typically ate two meals a day, one in the morning and the other in the evening
Evidence shows that Vikings were expert traders of many goods
© Abigail Daker; Alamy
Although raiding and pillaging provided a quick intake of wealth, it wasn’t a stable way to live or to build a civilisation. Instead the Vikings dedicated far more of their time to building up a prosperous and powerful trading network. Because of their superior ship-building skills they were able to travel to trade in faraway lands, obtaining a host of exotic and valuable goods. Their specially designed trading ships were able to carry up to 35 tonnes of cargo, including silver and livestock.