The North was well integrated into European trade and politics throughout the Middle Ages (and even before that).
Facts about Northern Europe
The North was well integrated into European trade and politics throughout the Middle Ages (and even before that).
Despite popular belief, the northern regions of Europe were more than just a remote and unknown collection of barbarians.
In fact, there has been a permanent trade link between the North and the rest of Europe since Roman times Our museum is filled with Roman treasures acquired through trade, looting or as a salary for service in the Continental Army. These ties persisted long after the central power in Rome had collapsed.
There was a well-established trade network around the North Sea in the 7th and 8th centuries And when the Scandinavians raided their southern neighbors in the 9th and 11th centuries they traveled along the famous trade routes and Make enemies as an alliance between rulers they are already familiar with.
The worst recent example of the “Far North” myth appeared in the first chapter of the hit TV show “Vikings.” While the series is very interesting, it claims that the Scandinavians didn’t even know England existed
It’s ridiculous that they sailed days apart and traded and kept in touch for centuries. They even understand most of each other’s languages.
So, let’s be clear – there is no “far and mysterious north”, and there has always been normal trade and communication throughout history.
Image: Statues of Roman gods and emperors, found in Goodmeer, South Funen, present-day Denmark. you see, right? There are many connections across the continent. Photo by L. Larsen, National Museum of Denmark, CC BY-SA.
