The design of Viking ships was an important factor in their success at trading. They were able to travel by sea to Britain, France, Spain and Portugal, around into the Mediterranean and across the Atlantic to Greenland and North America to Italy. They penetrated into Russia, eastern Europe and the Middle East by river, carrying or rolling their ships across the land to the next river if necessary. These objects illustrate the extent of Viking contact with other parts of the world.
Silver Viking brooch
Found in Ireland, this brooch is decorated with amber from the Baltic.
See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/silver-ring-brooch/FwFAMJXZ_8POswTrefoil brooch
The style of the decoration on this brooch is Viking, but its shape is based on sword belts traded or seized from western Europe.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=64962&partId=1&searchText=Trefoil+brooch&page=1Beads
These Merovingian glass beads from western Europe may have been exchanged several times before they found their way to a Viking grave in Norway.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=1259947&objectid=68114Coin
This Samanid silver coin is from Iran, but was found in a silver hoard in Yorkshire.
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?assetId=715169&objectId=3235904&partId=1Ivory flask
Acquired by Vikings from .
See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details/collection_image_gallery.aspx?partid=1&assetid=1275291&objectid=60470Ivory flask - 360 degree view
Watch the video http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/past_exhibitions/2014/vikings/vikings_live/videos/byzantine_flask.aspx
Viking cap
This Viking cap from the Jorvik Viking Centre was found in York. It was made from silk, probably from China. © York Archaeological Trust
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