Means Of Exchange

Product Description

This second volume based on the excavations of the Viking town Kaupang 2000-2003 presents find types used in economic transactions -- coins hacksilver ingots weights & balances. Changes in type & volume of economic transactions at Kaupang & in Scandinavia are discussed & the economic mentality of Viking crafts- & tradesmen is explored. Earlier the study of Viking silver currency was based mainly on hoards containing coins & hacksilver. In this volume the combined study of the find types mentioned as well as the sophisticated chronology of settlements finds from sites like Kaupang gives a completely new insight into economy & exchange. In the early 9th century silver & goods seem to have come to Kaupang mainly from the Carolingian world. Silver weighed with locally produced lead weights was used as currency on a limited scale. The old ore unit was easily convertible to Carolingian units. After the mid-9th century this early system was altered. The increased availability of silver caused by the import of Islamic coins as well as the introduction in most of Scandinavia in the 860s/870s of standardised weights of probable Islamic origin paved the way from then on for an increasing use of silver as payment. These studies demonstrate that sites like Kaupang led the way in economic development in Scandinavia. The urban environment promoted an economic mentality which contributed significantly to the fundamental transformation of Scandinavian culture & society which culminated in the regions integration in Christian Europe in the High Middle Ages.