During the Dark Ages, Europe faced a series of calamities. The collapse of the Roman Empire, volcanic eruptions causing crop failure and famine, the Justinian Plague, and the ruthless Viking attacks on Lindisfarne Island all contributed to the tumultuous times. The origins and motivations of the Vikings have long been debated among historians.

One theory suggests that the Vikings’ interest in silver, which began in the late eighth century with the arrival of Islamic dirhams in Europe, may have played a role. Norsemen in Norway and Sweden may have sought silver to purchase brides, as female infanticide led to a scarcity of available women. This desperate need for silver could have driven the Vikings to venture across the seas and engage in their notorious raids.

However, other historians believe that the Vikings’ first expeditions were not motivated by a quest for silver, but rather had different purposes. The chronology of the early Viking Age remains unclear, as the best accounts available were written years later. Thankfully, the discovery of a solar storm in 775 has aided researchers in the dating of Viking artifacts found in Ribe, Denmark.

Archaeologist Søren Sindbæk and his team at Aarhus University have uncovered evidence of extensive trade in Ribe, starting around 700. The bustling trading town became a safe haven for the Vikings, who engaged in peaceful exchanges rather than violent conflict. This challenges the popular image of Vikings as bloodthirsty barbarians. The artifacts excavated in Ribe, more than 100,000 in total, provide insights into Viking culture and their participation in interregional networks.

Radiocarbon dating has been crucial in dating these artifacts, but its limitations, such as fluctuations in atmospheric radiocarbon levels, have made precise dating difficult. To address this, physicist Bente Philippsen developed her own calibration using oak tree specimens from the National Museum of Denmark. This improved dating technique has allowed researchers to gain a clearer understanding of the emergence and activities of the Vikings during the Viking Age.

Overall, the study of Viking archaeology in Ribe has revealed a more nuanced and complex picture of the Vikings’ early voyages and their role as skilled traders. These findings challenge common perceptions and offer valuable insights into this pivotal period of history.

 

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