A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders
I can explain why Viking York was an important international trading centre for the Vikings.
A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders
I can explain why Viking York was an important international trading centre for the Vikings.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Pupils may not understand how the objects prove the trade links around the world.
Particular objects during this time could only come from certain places. For example, silk was only made in China and travelled via the Silk Road to the Middle East and onto Europe.
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Vikings: how do we know so much about Viking York? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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