What really caused the Viking Age? The social content of raiding and exploration
Steven P. Ashby
Abstract The cause of the Viking Age is one our longest-lived debates. A combination push and pull factors a catalysing environment instigated late 8th-century escalation in maritime activity that ultimately led to social, political religious transformation. Recent discussions have focused on macro level, with little consideration individual gains be made by raiding. This paper argues rewards consisted more than portable wealth. In flexible hierarchies Age, those who took advantage opportunities enhance their social capital stood gain significantly. lure raid was thus booty; it about winning preserving power through enchantment travel doing deeds. provides an important correction models focus need for wealth; act acquiring silver as itself.
Archaeological Dialogues