New research reveals that a spectacular Viking silver hoard discovered in North Yorkshire demonstrates the far-reaching trade connections between medieval England and the Islamic world. The groundbreaking geochemical analysis conducted by Oxford University researchers has fundamentally challenged traditional perceptions of Viking wealth acquisition, proving that nearly one-third of the silver originated from Islamic lands rather than local raids.
The Bedale hoard, unearthed by metal detectorists Stuart Campbell and Steve Caswell in 2012, represents one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of recent decades. This treasure trove of 29 silver ingots and elaborate neck rings has provided unprecedented insights into the complex economic networks that connected medieval Yorkshire to the vast trading systems of the Islamic Caliphate.
Transforming Understanding of Viking Economics
Dr Jane Kershaw, Associate Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at Oxford University, led the revolutionary study that employed lead isotope and trace element analyses to determine the origins of each artifact. The results revealed that nine ingots – representing nearly one-third of the hoard’s silver – were geochemically matched to silver minted in the Islamic Caliphate, particularly from regions corresponding to modern-day Iran and Iraq.
