Learnings: Slavery

Iron chain and collar for a slave or hostage / c. Viking Age

Collars, chains, and iron shackles like these, found in Ireland, would have been worn by slaves in the Viking era.

Scandinavian settlers may have brought slaves with them to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. As they conquered more territory, they likely enslaved more people.

However, slavery was not new to the Ango-Saxon territories. Even though Christianity opposed slavery in theory, there were many slaves in Anglo-Saxon society. Scandinavian settlers may have bought slaves from the local Anglo-Saxons.

Slaves were used by both Anglo-Saxons and Scandinavians for work in farming, construction, and more. While slaves had no rights, after a time, some might be able to save enough money to buy their freedom.