We have found Damascus steel in viking camps in Sweden, so it is quite possible that this ring was traded for, or looted.
Until we find conclusive proof of conversion to Islam, we should be very careful in reading further into this than simply being an interesting artifact.
I thought it was pretty standard for people to travel around this far, especially the Vikings. They were sought after as mercenaries, afaik, and I imagine this sort of artifact could be part of a pay packet.
There’s Viking graffiti in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, for example.
That seems like a huge leap. As a non swede my first impression was that some viking probably “married” a pretty Muslim girl he came across doing what vikings purportedly did.
So… Viking who converted to Islam, or loot from a raid, or what?
Or maybe some Viking found himself a Muslim wife?
We have found Damascus steel in viking camps in Sweden, so it is quite possible that this ring was traded for, or looted.
Until we find conclusive proof of conversion to Islam, we should be very careful in reading further into this than simply being an interesting artifact.
I thought it was pretty standard for people to travel around this far, especially the Vikings. They were sought after as mercenaries, afaik, and I imagine this sort of artifact could be part of a pay packet.
There’s Viking graffiti in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, for example.
I think that some people will connect the artifact to the current gang issues here in Sweden.
That seems like a huge leap. As a non swede my first impression was that some viking probably “married” a pretty Muslim girl he came across doing what vikings purportedly did.
Thats fair, as a Swede I have been used to people constantly taking shots at us lately about migration and gang crime
Loot, trade, conversion - it’s fascinating because the possibilities are really endless.
True
I’m gambling on booty for booty
Slave trade. Wife is a loose term in that context.
Guess a genetic analysis (if bone sizes isn’t enough) would check that quickly.