There is much debate over what motivated the Norsemen to leave Scandinavia. Some believe the Vikings wished to strike out at Christendom. Others believe their old trade routes had ceased being profitable. The most popular theory is overpopulation. In this view, demographic pressures forced the Vikings out of their homeland and on their destructive path.
During his reign, Charlemagne terrorized pagans into conversion. The king of the Franks gave the pagans a choice between death and converting to Christianity. Many chose death while others pretended to convert only to be caught practicing the old ways. The king executed those "relapsing" into paganism. Toward the end of his reign, Charlemagne’s forces penetrated into Viking territory with their terror campaign. The resulting conflict split Norwegians between supporters of Asgard and supporters of the church. According to this theory, the Vikings lashed out seeking vengeance against Christendom.
While some believe the Vikings sought vengeance, others think the Norse were searching for markets. As a result of Charlemagne’s rule, Christians did not trade fairly with the pagans. Some merchants refused to trade with pagans and Muslims. A black market developed which increased costs on the Vikings. Norse tradition required that slights to honor be avenged. Christian trade policy was an affront to Viking honor, so the Scandinavians went on the offensive.
Trade may indeed have been the reason for Viking expansion. The Scandinavian population grew extensively in an area with scarce farmland forcing a search for markets and land. At the same time, power and land grew more centralized leading some to emigrate rather than submit. A perfect storm developed as the population and centralization increased while farmland and freedoms decreased. A culture with a history of raiding had one recourse and they sought their destinies elsewhere.
The Vikings Age began with the attack on Lindesfarne in 793. The adventurers expanded, conquered, and traded. The period began with the Medieval Warming Period as Scandinavia became overpopulated. At the same time, Christian trade practices and Charlemagne’s conversion by the sword may have motivated some to strike back. Whatever the cause or causes of the Viking Age, the marauders helped change history.
