Iceland

Abstract

The development of the trade of the United Provinces first in Europe and then in the Orient and the Americas is, to a degree, an orderly sequence, but the Icelandic trade does not appear to be, except in a very general sense, part of the general pattern. Neither was it an important trade, but it added another area to the far flung Dutch trading empire. Iceland is usually considered to have been settled by Vikings from Norway in the latter half of the ninth century, although a small band of Irish had preceded the Norwegians. In the first years of the Viking settlement there was continual passing and repassing between the island and Norway. Icelanders loaded their narrow high-prowed ships with hides and coarse woolen cloth which they sold in the Faroes, the Shetlands, Scotland, and the homeland. In Norway they loaded timber, flour, and small luxuries for the long voyage home.