Swedish Vikings: Their Role in the Viking Age Trade and Exploration

The Viking Age (800-1050 AD) was a period of significant expansion and exploration for the Norse people. Many are familiar with the prominent roles played by Norwegians and Danes in Western European raiding and trading, but often overlooked is the significant contribution of Swedish Vikings to the eastern territories. This article explores the significance of Swedish Vikings in the broader context of Viking activity during this period.

Swedish Vikings and their Exploits

It is a common misconception that only the Norse from Norway and Denmark were Vikings. This belief primarily stems from the well-known raids on Western Europe. However, the Viking Age was defined by its extensive trade and exploratory ventures, not just raiding. Swedish Vikings, while given less attention in popular narratives, played a crucial role in establishing trade routes and exploring Eastern Europe.

Swedish Vikings primarily ventured eastward, exploring and trading along the rivers of Eastern Europe. They established major trade routes that connected Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic world. Some Swedish Vikings served as mercenaries in the Byzantine Empire, forming the elite Varangian Guard, which became an integral part of the Byzantine army.

The Scope of Swedish Viking Activity

The Viking Age, characterized by significant expansion, saw the Swedes traveling to the Baltic coast and along the rivers that stretched deep into present-day Russia. Similar to their compatriots from Norway and Denmark, the Swedes engaged in both plundering and trading. However, they often followed river systems like the Volga and Dnieper, which led to different outcomes compared to their western counterparts.

Understanding the Term “Viking”

Technically, being a Viking was an occupation. It involved various activities such as trading, looting, and exploring, and it was only during these activities that one was considered a Viking. Once back home, one ceased to be a Viking. Furthermore, the concept of Sweden as a political entity did not exist during the Viking Age. It wasn't until several centuries later, around 1658, that Sweden had its current political boundaries. Thus, the term "Swedish Vikings" is more about their Norse origin than a specific political entity.

Impact on Eastern Trade and Exploration

The activities of Swedish Vikings in Eastern Europe were instrumental in the formation of new trading and political entities. The Vikings who ventured to the east became known as Varangians, distinctively different from other Vikings who focused on the western territories.

Initially, they engaged in plunder and trade, but the fertile lands along the Dnieper and Volga rivers offered promising prospects. Over time, they became more established and eventually carried out a coup, killing the old Slavic chieftains and organizing the remaining population into the Kievan Rus, a series of large and centralized states. This shift marked a significant period of political and social change in Eastern Europe.

Conclusion

While often overshadowed by the more celebrated stories of Norwegian and Danish Vikings, Swedish Vikings played a crucial role in the exploration and expansion of the Viking Age. Their contributions to Eastern trade routes and the establishment of institutions like the Varangian Guard make them an essential part of the broader Viking narrative. Understanding their significance helps to paint a more comprehensive picture of the Viking Age and its impact on global history.

Keywords: Swedish Vikings, Viking Age, Varangian Guard, Kievan Rus