A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders

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.