Got Silk? Vikings' Refined Tastes Show Vast Reach Of Ancient Trade Routes

Brutal, seafaring warriors that they were, it appears some of the Norwegian Vikings also had a more refined side. Researchers believe that the Norse marauders, when not conquering villages and enslaving peasants, maintained impressive global connections that allowed them to trade for such exquisite artisanal items as fine Persian silks. Evidence of this remarkable cross-cultural exchange can be seen in one of Norway's most famous Viking burial excavations, a ninth-century boat-grave for two weal...