[ChicagoRepublican]

Why is this such a sensation? Trade was still widespread, even with the chaos in western Europe.

[Oztrich Boy]

Not even trade is needed to explain this "sensation"

"The Varangian Guard were the best paid of all the Empire's troops. So well paid, in fact that membership had to be purchased. It was quite common for Norsemen to go to Byzantium from all over Scandinavia and Russia, spend time in the Varangian Guard, and return home rich. One such was the future king of Norway, Harald Sigurdson (known as the Ruthless, or inn hardradi) who was to die at the battle of Stamford Bridge in England, 1066.
'Then Harald had a large ox-hide spread out and emptied on to it the gold out of the chests. Scales and weights were brought and the wealth weighed out into two parts, and all who saw it wondered greatly that so much gold could have been brought together into one place in the northen lands. It was in reality wealth belonging to the King of the Greeks, for all men say that there are buildings there filled with red gold' Snorri Sturluson

[blam]

"Why is this such a sensation? Trade was still widespread, even with the chaos in western Europe.

I agree, that's why I added the 'sic'. Now, the chaos you mention was worldwide.

[blam]

The Dark Ages: Were They Darker Than We Imagined?

[CdMGuy]

Here is something to consider. Just why is everyone presuming the Vikings went down to Persia? Just maybe, the Persians took a trip up to Scandanavia and left some coins there. Why give the Vikings credit for travelling everywhere? Of course, if I lived in that crummy cold climate, I would be heading south all the time myself.