The Viking Age and Its Impact on Sweden

The Viking Age lasted from about 793 to 1066 AD. During this time, the Vikings had a big effect on trade and exploration in Sweden. Here’s how:

1. Trade Networks:

   • The Vikings created long trade routes that connected Sweden to places in Europe and Asia.
   • They traded with areas like the Byzantine Empire and the Muslim world.
   • Important trade centers, like Birka, were set up. These places helped people buy and sell goods and share ideas.

2. Maritime Technology:

   • The Vikings built special ships called longships.
   • These ships could travel on the open ocean and also in shallow rivers. This made it easier for them to explore new areas.
   • Longships were fast and easy to steer, which made trading along the coast and raiding safer.

3. Cultural Exchange:

   • As the Vikings raided and settled in new places, they met many different groups of people.
   • This mixing of cultures changed Swedish society in many ways.

Between 800 and 1000 AD, Swedish Vikings played a huge role in increasing trade by about 300%.