A Viking Market Kingdom in Ireland and Britain: Trade Networks and the Importation of a Southern Scandinavian Silver Bullion Economy

The political and economic character of Viking-Age Britain and Ireland is best understood if Dublin and Jórvík are seen as being established as nodes of a market-based network kingdom. This book argues that war-band leaders from or familiar with 'Danish markets like Hedeby and Kaupang transposed to Insular Scandinavia the concept of polities based on establishment of markets and the protection of routeways between them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The political and economic character of Viking-Age Britain and Ireland, often referred to as "Insular Scandinavia," is best understood when Dublin and Jórvík are considered as established nodes of a market-based network kingdom. This argument is supported by a dataset that sheds light on the emerging bullion economies of the central and eastern Scandinavian regions, particularly southern Scandinavia. It suggests that war-band leaders from or familiar with "Danish markets like Hedeby and Kaupang" brought the concept of polities based on market establishment and the protection of trade routes to Insular Scandinavia.

This book offers readers a unique perspective on the creation of an Insular version of a Danish-style nodal market kingdom. It explores how interlinked Dublin and Great Army elites established a network kingdom that was characterized by commerce and the use of silver currencies. By examining the connections between southern Scandinavia and the market economy of the Uí Ímair, this book provides valuable insights into the complex social, economic, and political dynamics of Viking-Age Britain and Ireland.

The establishment of Hiberno-Scandinavian longphuirt and the related winter-camps of the Viking Great Army played a crucial role in connecting these regions. These camps served as hubs for trade, exchange, and cultural interaction, facilitating the spread of ideas, technologies, and practices between the Scandinavians and the indigenous populations of Ireland and Britain. The longphuirt, in particular, was a significant economic entity that facilitated the movement of goods and people across the North Sea, contributing to the growth of trade networks and the development of economic prosperity in the region.

The Viking Market Kingdom in Ireland and Britain offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the Viking Age. It combines historical analysis, archaeological evidence, and economic theory to provide a rich and nuanced understanding of this period. By exploring the connections between southern Scandinavia, the Uí Ímair, and the market economy of the Viking Age, this book sheds light on the complex web of relationships that shaped the development of these societies.

In conclusion, the Viking Market Kingdom in Ireland and Britain is a valuable resource for specialist researchers and students of Viking archaeology. It provides a new perspective on the political and economic character of Viking-Age Britain and Ireland and offers insights into the complex social, economic, and political dynamics of this period. By examining the connections between southern Scandinavia, the Uí Ímair, and the market economy, this book contributes to our understanding of the Viking Age and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032197333