10. Slaves as Trade Commodities
Viking slaves were not only laborers—they were also highly valued trade commodities. Thralls were exchanged for silver, silk, spices, and luxury goods from distant regions, including the Middle East. This trade connected Scandinavia to global markets and enabled Norse elites to acquire exotic items that signaled power and prestige. The demand for slaves fueled both Viking raiding and their position in international commerce. Read more at BBC News.
