Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn about the archaeological discoveries made at Coppergate in York. They find out how archaeologists and historians have used artefacts to build a picture of what Viking York would have been like.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain why Viking York was an important international trading centre for the Vikings.

Key Notes

• York was a major centre for Viking trade and goods flowed in from across Europe and the Middle East.
• The remains of silk were found in Coppergate, which likely originated from the Middle East.
• It is likely that silk, along with spices and gemstones like carnelian, came to York via Viking traders in Russia.
• Baltic amber was used for jewellery in York, and, although no furs survive, it is likely that they were also traded.
• An Arabic coin and a cowrie shell from the Red Sea or the Gulf of Aden are further proof of wide trade links.

Vocabulary To Learn

• merchant: a merchant is a person who trades goods with other countries
• Baltic: the Baltic is the area surrounding the Baltic Sea in northern Europe
• carnelian: carnelian is a brownish-red mineral that is often used as a gemstone to make jewellery
• amber: amber is hardened resin from ancient trees which has been preserved as a fossil over time
• silk: silk is a fine, soft and shiny material produced using the thread of a silk worm

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pupils may not understand how the objects prove the trade links around the world.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• A journey through Viking York: Houses, halls and craftspeople Study Guide
• Discovery at Coppergate Study Guide
• How we know so much about Viking York Study Guide
• The artefacts of Viking York Study Guide
• York's importance to the Vikings Study Guide