The Vikings, pt. 2 -- Into Distant Realms
Historiansplaining: A historian tells you why everything you know is wrong
The Origins of Viking Trade and Plundering
First to venture out on these voyages were mainly Swedes especially from the island of Gotland in the Baltic near the shore of mainland Sweden. They would sail upriver until they found that it was unnavigable and continue onward further eastward and southward. As they did so, when possible they would gain permission for safe passage from local rulers. But if this permission to travel or trade was refused,. the Norse would simply turn to strong arming, demanding that markets be opened or just demanding tribute by force. And hence trade in this way could easily shade over gradually into raiding and pillaging. It seems this created a cycle where raids could then provide goods and also captives that the Vikings
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