A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why Viking York was an important international trading centre for the Vikings.
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
Merchant - a merchant is a person who trades goods with other countries
Baltic - the Baltic is the area surrounding the Baltic Sea in northern Europe
Carnelian - carnelian is a brownish-red mineral that is often used as a gemstone to make jewellery
Amber - amber is hardened resin from ancient trees which has been preserved as a fossil over time
Silk - silk is a fine, soft and shiny material produced using the thread of a silk worm
Common misconception
Pupils may not understand how the objects prove the trade links around the world.
Particular objects during this time could only come from certain places. For example, silk was only made in China and travelled via the Silk Road to the Middle East and onto Europe.
Teacher tip
Using maps during this lesson will help pupils grasp the understanding of trade routes more easily.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What description accurately describes the work of a blacksmith?
Q2.What evidence excavated showed the work of wood turners?
Q3.How did Viking buildings in Coppergate change over time?
Q4.What were the roofs of early Viking houses in Coppergate often made from?
Q5.Where did Vikings go for feasting and celebrations in York?
Q6.Complete the sentence. Many of the Viking people who lived in York were , rather than fierce warriors.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the correct meaning of 'trade'?
Q2.Complete the sentence: A person who trades goods with other countries is called a .
Q3.Which sea did the Vikings set up trading routes across?
Q4.Where did the Vikings trade Carnelian?
Q5.What was Baltic amber used to make in York?
Q6.How do the objects found in York prove that the Vikings traded all around the world?
To help you plan your 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 history lesson on: A journey through Viking York: Merchants and traders, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the The Vikings: how do we know so much about Viking York? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.