GCE History A Y302/01: The Viking Age c.790-1066 Advanced GCE Mark Scheme for Autumn 2021. Rated A+

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Question Answer Mark Guidance 1 Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more convincing as an explanation of the motives for Viking raids on Ireland... . In locating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation A suggests that for two centuries Viking raids on Ireland were driven by the desire for ecclesiastical loot. • In evaluating Interpretation A, Answers might argue that it is partially valid because Scandinavian graves from the period are especially rich in Celtic style grave-goods but that some of this material came from other parts of the Celtic ‘fringe’. • Answers might argue that it is valid because the historical records indicate monasteries were the focus of Viking raids both in Ireland and elsewhere. • Answers might argue it is invalid because of the bias of such records since these were compiled by monks. • Answers might argue that it is valid because Viking inroads into Ireland were the logical consequence of coastal raiding. • Answers might argue that it is valid because the Irish treasures found in Norwegian graves (giving examples) are unlikely to have been acquired, in the first instance, without violence. • Answers might argue that it is invalid because there probably was some trade in Celtic treasure, 30 • No set answer is expected • At Level 5 and above answers will evaluate both interpretations, locating them within the wider historical debate about the issue and using their own knowledge, and reach a balanced judgement as to which they consider the most convincing about the issue in the question. • To be valid, judgements must be supported by relevant and accurate material. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation, it should only be credited where it is used to analyse and evaluate the interpretations, in line with descriptions in the levels mark schemeY302/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 4 2* in Scandinavia if not in Ireland. • Answers might argue that it is invalid because Viking settlements might have begun as bases primarily for further raiding and that their use for other purposes was of secondary importance. In locating the Interpretations within the wider historical debate, answers might argue that Interpretation B suggests that a main objective of Viking raids on Ireland was the acquisition of captives. • In evaluating Interpretation A, answers might argue that it is valid because Dublin was an important holding centre for slaves en route to markets elsewhere. • Answers might argue that it is valid because the Irish annals reference the Viking slave trade in Ireland. • Answers might argue that it is valid because there is a collection of ‘slave-chains’ in the National Museum; however, some might consider other interpretations for these artefacts (e.g. as bonds for criminals). • Answers might argue that it is valid because Vikings took captives with a view to ransoming any high status prisoners. • Answers might argue that it is valid because Viking slave trading was conducted at an ‘industrial scale’ because of supply and demand factors regarding the trade in the Viking Age. • Answers might argue it is valid because the Dublin long port demonstrates that piratical looting raids are a less convincing explanation of the scale of settlement activity than trading activities. 25 • No set answer is expected.Y302/01 Mark Scheme October 2021 5 To what extent did Scandinavian society change in the period from c.790 to 1066? In supporting the hypothesis that Scandinavian society changed in the period, it might be argued that in some respects Viking society in c.1066 was very different to Viking society in c.790. • Answers might consider the impact on social identity as, in some parts of Scandinavia, multiple Viking chiefdoms merged into single Viking kingdoms. • Answers might consider the emergence of hugely wealthy individuals – typically merchants and warriors. • Answers might consider developments in political arenas and the new opportunities presented by more centralised and complex political structures. • Answers might consider the impact of Christianisation on Viking society such as church congregations replacing traditional fellowships. • Answers might consider how the culture of raiding increased dependence on women as managers of farms in the absence of their menfolk. • Answers might consider the emergence of substantial villages as Viking society became less reliant on animal husbandry and more reliant on the cultivation of crops. • Answers might consider the impact of urbanisation on Viking society. In challenging the hypothesis that Scandinavian society changed in the period, it might be argued that in some respects Viking society in c.1066 was very similar to Viking society in c.790. • At higher levels answers might establish criteria against which to judge. • To be valid, judgements must be supported by relevant and accurate material. • Knowledge must not be credited in isolation, it should only be credited where it is used as the basis for analysis and evaluation, in line with descriptions in the levels mark scheme. [Show More]

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