7. The Slave Trade and Norse Expansion
Profits from the slave trade were a driving force behind continued Viking expansion. The wealth accrued through selling captives funded new ships, weapons, and supplies, enabling further raids and the founding of settlements across Europe. As a result, slave trading was not just a byproduct but a catalyst for Viking exploration and colonization, shaping the map of medieval Europe in profound ways. For a deeper analysis, see History Today.
