Vikings Abroad: Trade or Raid?
The assertion that Vikings abroad were "more concerned with trading than raiding" during the period c. 790 to 1066 is a contentious one. While archaeological evidence does support the existence of significant trading activities, it is important to acknowledge that raiding played a crucial role in Viking expansion and was often intertwined with trade. Therefore, a nuanced approach is necessary to assess the relative importance of these two activities in shaping the Viking experience abroad.

Trading as a Driving Force
Evidence for Viking trade is abundant. Archaeological discoveries reveal the emergence of Viking centres of trade across Europe, such as Jorvik in England, Dorestad in the Netherlands, and Quentovic in France. These centres served as hubs for the exchange of goods, with finds of exotic and foreign objects in Scandinavia providing compelling evidence of extensive trade networks. The presence of Arab coins and Byzantine silks in Viking graves suggests that trade extended far beyond Europe, reaching as far as the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Moreover, historical records, such as the agreement between Danes and Germans in 873, confirm the formalization of trade relationships.
The significance of trading activities for Viking communities abroad cannot be overstated. Trade provided vital resources, including luxury goods, weaponry, and raw materials, to sustain settlements and support a growing population. The economic benefits of trade contributed to the rise of established Viking settlements, such as Dublin and Iceland, further demonstrating the importance of trade in their long-term survival.

Raiding as a Catalyst for Expansion
However, it is inaccurate to downplay the role of raiding in Viking history. Throughout the period in question, Viking expeditions frequently involved acts of violence and plunder. From the earliest raids on Lindisfarne in 793 to the conquests of Normandy and Ireland, raiding served as both a catalyst for expansion and a source of wealth for Viking communities. The historical records, including the <i>Annals of St Bertin</i> and the <i>Anglo-Saxon Chronicle</i>, offer abundant evidence of Viking raiding activities, though it's important to note that these sources often portray Vikings in a negative light, potentially exaggerating their brutality.
The archaeological record also corroborates the prevalence of raiding. The discovery of Viking weapons and artifacts at sites of conquest, such as York and Paris, highlights the military prowess and aggression of Viking raiders. Moreover, runic inscriptions and scaldic poetry, which celebrate the deeds of Viking heroes, emphasize the central place of raiding and treasure-hunting in their culture. These sources portray Vikings as warrior-kings and adventurers who sought fame and fortune through conquest.

The Interplay of Trade and Raid
It is crucial to recognize that trade and raiding were not mutually exclusive. Indeed, they were often interconnected. The Viking slave trade, for instance, demonstrates the close relationship between these two activities. Viking raids often resulted in the capture and sale of slaves, who were then traded as commodities. This practice, which spanned across Europe and even reached the Middle East, highlights the economic motives behind raiding and the importance of trade in sustaining Viking expansion.
In conclusion, the assertion that Vikings abroad were "more concerned with trading than raiding" cannot be fully accepted. While Viking trade played a vital role in their economic and social development, raiding was equally significant and often intertwined with trade. Archaeological and historical evidence provides undeniable support for both activities, demonstrating that raiding served as a key catalyst for Viking expansion while trade provided essential resources for sustaining Viking communities abroad.