Before They Were Vikings: Scandinavia and the Franks up to the death of Louis the Pious
Daniel Melleno
Author(s): Melleno, Daniel | Advisor(s): Koziol, Geoffrey Abstract: Using textual and archaeological evidence to examine patterns of interaction relationship between Francia Scandinavia from 700-840 this dissertation demonstrates that the Viking attacks ninth century were not a sudden rupture relations wider world, nor demonstration unbridled violence. Rather, part an ongoing narrative commerce, diplomacy, strife Frankish Empire its northern neighbors which began long before Age. Coin finds excavations, accounts merchants bearing luxury goods trade sites, stories slaves taken their homes connect across North Sea. Chapter One focuses on these lasting commercial links. At heart lay Frisia, home emporium Dorestad. Dorestad's location as cross roads Sea allowed Frankish, Frisian, Scandinavian carry back forth while at same time facilitating movement ideas cultural exchange. Annalists gathered information merchants, kings used them for diplomatic communication, missionaries traveled with them. The steady growth economic activity facilitated contact communication Franks Scandinavians all stations over several centuries. Two describes political, military Frankia until death Charlemagne in 814. It examines first contacts North, growing influence impact had area, ways two peoples forged new political relationships. By end Charlemagne's life, Danes moved shadowy people margins consciousness key players works historians poets. Both sources demonstrate Danish leaders, large due increased powerful southern neighbors, became intent only wielding power but challenging Carolingian supremacy area large.Beginning Charlemagne, Three heightened intensity Louis Pious 840. In effort cement hegemony Europe attempted bring firmly under control through diplomacy missionary work. These efforts created opportunities engagement Franks, Danes, Swedes travelled Though Louis' work failed last beyond his death, raids later interactions directly shaped by policies Charlemagne. When we look networks forming seventh, eighth, centuries, social meetings borders Saxony, Jutland Peninsula, come away is far more vibrant complex than our primary reveal glance. during actively informs conflict follows. During century, conquering victims; quest wealth disparate diverse tribes became, lack better word, Vikings.