Silver Economies, Monetisation And Society In Scandinavia Ad 800-1100

Beskrivelse

Explore the fascinating economic landscape of Viking Age Scandinavia, where silver played a central role in a complex and evolving monetary system. This period saw a shift from ornamental precious metals to counted money and national coinages, though multiple silver economies existed simultaneously.

An in-depth look at silver's impact on Viking society and economy through interdisciplinary research.

The Viking Age was marked by significant economic experimentation and complexity across Scandinavia. Initially dominated by an ancient 'display' economy that valued precious metal ornaments, the era gradually transitioned towards the use of counted money and the introduction of national coinages. However, this process was far from straightforward or linear, as various silver-based economies coexisted and influenced each other throughout much of the period.

Recent research has turned the spotlight on silver's role within Viking society and economy, sparking lively debates about the nature of valuables, bullion, monetisation, commodity money, and the beginnings of urban trade. This book gathers insights from an international team of archaeologists, historians, and numismatists, offering a comprehensive overview of current scholarship.

Originating from a symposium held in Aarhus, Denmark, in 2008, the volume combines broad regional surveys with detailed case studies of important sites and hoards. It stands as a tribute to Dr. Mark Blackburn (1953-2011), honoring his exceptional contributions to Viking-age numismatics and monetary history.

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