The Vikings and the Islamic World

Who was Ibn Al-Athir and what did he refer to in his writing?

A Islamic historian who called the Byzantines “Ar-Rum,” meaning “The Romans,” and documented conflicts with the Rus

What does the Piraeus Lion with runic inscriptions indicate?

Vikings sailed around the Mediterranean, likely taking the route through the Land of the Rus

What was the main route for Vikings to reach the Islamic World?

Through the Volga and Itil rivers into the Caspian Sea

What evidence is there of Viking trade with the Islamic World?

Distribution of Islamic coins (derum), trade goods, and increased coin circulation from the 780s to 940

Why did the number of derum coins decrease after the 960s?

England reformed its coin system in the 970s, and later stops in the 1030s due to the silver crisis in Asia leading to coin debasement

What did Ibn Fad-Lin note about Viking hygiene?

Vikings were considered hygienically unclean compared to the high standards (at the time) of the Islamic world

What do the Yngavr Runestones commemorate?

One documented trip to “Serkland” believed to have gone wrong, with women raising stones in relation to their sons and husbands

What was Serkland seem to refer to?

Persia, Iran, Iraq, etc

What do the Yngvar Runestones reveal about Viking values?

Valued ship operation/good sailing skills and traveling

Why are the Yngvar Runestones significant?

They strongly commemorate a specific journey that went sideways, contrary to previous beliefs that they documented multiple eastward trips