# The Intriguing Trade Networks of the Vikings Revealed
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Chapter 1: The Viking Trading Legacy
The Vikings are often remembered as fierce warriors, but their influence extended well beyond conquest. Recent studies have unveiled the surprising scope of their trading activities. These Norse seafarers were not only explorers but also merchants who exchanged unique materials, leading to the creation of everyday items still in use today.
In this context, one city stands out as a pivotal trading hub: Hedeby. Known as the "gateway to Europe," this settlement was strategically positioned to connect northern Scandinavia with various parts of continental Europe.
Section 1.1: Hedeby's Strategic Importance
Hedeby, located near the southern tip of the Jutland Peninsula in Germany, was first documented around 770 AD. Its significance as a trading center can be attributed to its advantageous location along crucial trade routes linking the Frankish Empire with Scandinavia. Additionally, its proximity to both the Baltic and North Seas further enhanced its importance.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Antler Trade and Craftsmanship
The city served not only as a commercial hub but also as a center for antler processing. Researchers have discovered nearly 290,000 fragments of antler at this site, primarily remnants from hair comb production.
Collagen analysis of these combs revealed that most were crafted in the 9th century from reindeer antlers sourced from northern Scandinavia. This evidence underscores Hedeby's extensive trade connections with the arctic regions of central and northern Scandinavia.
Section 1.2: Insights from Recent Research
Dr. Steven Ashby, from the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, emphasizes the importance of Hedeby's findings. "The work in Hedeby is particularly interesting because it illustrates the connections between the upland or arctic mountains of Scandinavia and this large city at the gateway to continental Europe, indicating a period in the 9th century when these northern connections must have been particularly strong," he explains.