Description
Book SynopsisHow did the Anglo-Saxons obtain the treasure that tempted Vikings to raid England frequently in the ninth century and again between 980 and 1018? As Britain then had no gold mine and its lead mines yielded very little silver, this treasure must have been imported. Some may have been given, but most was obtained by trade. Until the ninth century the main source was Francia where there was a lively demand for English produce. Cross Channel trade flourished, much of it passing through the major ports, or wics, that developed in the seventh century. The rapid decline of this trade in the ninth century was caused, not by the Vikings, but by a general shortage of new silver in western Europe after c. 850, reflected in the debasement of the Frankish and Anglo-Saxon coinages. Silver was, however, imported to England by the Danes who settled there in the late ninth century. A very important source of new silver was discovered in the 960s in Germany. This led to a rapid expansion of the German e
Trade ReviewSawyer handles the evidence masterfully and his work is as engaging and thought-provoking as ever. * BBC History Magazine *
For nearly fifty years, Professor Sawyer has expounded on the riches of late Anglo-Saxon England ... It is a mark of the quality of Sawyer's scholarship that, nearly half a century later, his central argument not only stands, but has been bolstered. * Alex Burghart, Times Literary Supplement *
It is testimony to the strength of Sawyer's original ideas that so much has not only survived decades of research, including his own extensive contributions, but has been corroborated by it. * Scott Ashley, English Historical Review *
Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Introduction ; 2. Tempore Regis Edwardi ; 3. From solidi to sceattas ; 4. The Eighth and Ninth Centuries ; 5. From Edward the Elder to Edward the Confessor ; 6. 'Whoever has cash can acquire anything he wants' ; Appendix: Estimating dies, coins, and currency ; References
