4. The Role of Slavery in Viking Economy
Slave labor was the backbone of Viking wealth and productivity. Thralls worked the fields, tended livestock, built ships, and crafted goods, enabling the rapid growth of Norse settlements. By providing essential labor for both domestic and commercial enterprises, slavery allowed Viking elites to amass fortunes and expand their influence. This reliance on forced labor was a major engine behind the economic ascent of the Norse world. For a deeper analysis, see this Cambridge University article.
