The Viking Age, spanning from the late 8th century to the early 11th century, is often remembered for its seafaring Norsemen who raided, traded, and explored vast stretches of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic islands. The image of fierce, horn-helmeted warriors (note: the horned helmets are a myth) descending upon coastal towns and monasteries is one that has been deeply ingrained in popular culture. But what exactly were the Vikings after when they targeted monastic sites?
What Did Vikings Steal from Monasteries?
1. Wealth in the form of Precious Metals and Jewels: Many monasteries of the time held significant wealth, in the form of religious artifacts, including chalices, crosses, and reliquaries made of gold, silver, and encrusted with precious gems. Such items were symbols of the Church’s wealth and power but also made tempting targets for Viking raiders.
2. Slaves: Human trafficking was, unfortunately, a profitable enterprise during the Viking Age. Monasteries, being places of learning and refuge, often had many inhabitants, including monks, novices, and sometimes lay workers or pilgrims. Vikings could capture these individuals and sell them into slavery or demand ransoms for their release.
3. Livestock and Provisions: Apart from spiritual pursuits, monasteries were also self-sustaining communities that bred livestock and cultivated crops. When Vikings attacked, they often seized sheep, cattle, grain, wine, and other provisions, which they could use to feed their crews or trade.
4. Religious Texts: Though the Vikings initially showed little interest in the religious texts that monasteries held, these beautifully illuminated manuscripts, often bound in covers adorned with gold and jewels, were valuable items. Over time, as some Vikings converted to Christianity, the significance of these texts might have been more appreciated.
5. Strategic Locations: While not something they could “steal,” the strategic locations of many monasteries—often situated near waterways or on trade routes—made them valuable sites for establishing Viking bases or settlements.
The Impact on the Monastic World:
The repeated Viking raids had a profound effect on the monastic world of Europe. Many monasteries were abandoned, while others were moved to more defensible or remote locations. Fortifications were strengthened, signaling a shift from monasteries being places of open refuge to fortified sanctuaries.
However, it’s essential to remember that the Vikings were not solely raiders and plunderers. As the Viking Age progressed, they became settlers, traders, and even Christian converts. Their interactions with the monastic world, therefore, evolved from simple plundering to more complex cultural exchanges.
In conclusion, the Vikings targeted monasteries for their tangible wealth in the form of precious metals, livestock, and slaves, among other valuables. However, the Viking Age was a dynamic period of cultural exchange, and the relationship between the Vikings and the monastic communities they raided was not always one-dimensional
