The Viking Eastern Baltic (Past Imperfect)

Translated by Piret Ruustal. Most overviews dealing with eastern Vikings have cast the Eastern Baltic peoples in a predominantly passive role during the large-scale Viking movement into the region. This book demonstrates how communication networks over the Baltic Sea and further east were established and how they took different forms in the northern and the southern halves of the Eastern Baltic. Archaeological as well as written sources indicate the impact these networks had on the development of local societies. In particular, areas along the northern Baltic Sea, both on the eastern and the western coasts, were characterized by a shared cultural sphere for warriors. Changes in archaeological evidence along relevant trade routes through these areas suggest that the inhabitants of present-day Finland and the Baltic States were more engaged in Viking eastern movement than is generally believed. Contents 7 List of Illustrations 8 Introduction 11 Chapter 1 Different Cultures, Different Modes of Communication 17 Chapter 2 Eastbound Routes Gain Momentum 37 Chapter 3 Baltic Sea Warriors 55 Chapter 4 The High-Point of Scandinavian Eastward Activity 69 Chapter 5 End of the Viking Age 87 Conclusion 103 Further Reading 107 List of Illustrations vi Introduction 1 Chapter 1. Different Cultures, Different Modes of Communication 7 Chapter 2. Eastbound Routes Gain Momentum 27 Chapter 3. Baltic Sea Warriors 45 Chapter 4. The High-Point of Scandinavian Eastward Activity 59 Chapter 5. End of the Viking Age 77 Conclusion 93 Further Reading 97