Question

The primary purpose of the passage is:

• A. to explain the presence of reindeer antler combs in Denmark.
• B. to contradict the widely-accepted beginning date for the Viking Age in Britain,and propose an alternate one.
• C. to challenge the popular perception of Vikings as raiders by using evidence that suggests their early trade relations with Europe.
• D. to argue that besides being violent pillagers, Vikings were also skilled craftsmen and efficient traders.
• A. the beginning date of the Viking Age should be changed from 793 to 725.
• B. the Viking raids started as early as 725.
• C. some of the antler artifacts found in Denmark and Great Britain could have come from candinavia.
• D. the Vikings' trade relations with Europe pre-dates the Viking raids.
• A. Vikings brought reindeer from Norway to Denmark for trade purposes.
• B. Before becoming the raiders of northern Europe, Vikings had trade relations with European nations.
• C. Antler combs, regarded by the Vikings as a symbol of good health, were part of the Viking culture.
• D. Vikings, once upon a. time, had trade relations with Denmark and Scandinavia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The primary purpose of the passage is: 

The passage challenges the popular perception of Vikings solely as raiders by highlighting evidence that reveals their skills in trade and craftsmanship, particularly involving reindeer antler combs. The research signifies Vikings' role in trade relations in Europe prior to their raiding activities, suggesting that they were also efficient traders.

Solution Steps:

1. The passage begins by addressing the stereotype of Vikings as purely fierce raiders and pillagers.
2. It presents archaeological findings from Denmark, uncovering combs made from reindeer antlers, which are not native to Denmark.
3. Molecular analysis indicated that the reindeer antlers likely arrived via Viking ships from Norway, inferring trade activities.
4. The artifacts date back to the 780s or earlier, prior to documented Viking raids on Great Britain.
5. The evidence suggests a larger trade network, indicating Vikings' involvement in trade well before their infamous raids.

Ultimately, the passage argues that the Vikings' historical narrative includes their proficiency in trade and craftsmanship, in addition to their reputation as raiders, as indicated by the presence of reindeer antler combs used in trading markets.

Answer 2

The passage provides insights into the activities of the Vikings before and during their famously known period. The key evidence provided that "most of the artifacts also date to the 780s, but some are as old as 725" contributes to an argument that antler artifacts found in Denmark and Great Britain may have connections to Scandinavia. Here's the reasoning: 

• The discovery of artifacts in Denmark dated to as early as 725, significantly predates the traditionally recognized start of the Viking raids around 793. This suggests earlier contact and trade relations not limited to raiding activities.
• The mention of antler artifacts, specifically combs crafted from reindeer antlers – which need to be sourced from Norway due to the animal's natural habitat – supports the idea of these materials being transported via Viking trade networks.
• The presence of these crafted combs in Denmark and Britain indicates Scandinavia's active trade, further supported by archaeological findings in marketplace areas, implying trade, not raids.
• The passage posits potential pre-raid maritime experiences of Vikings, enhanced by the age of these artifacts, indicating established trade routes or networks before military exploits began.

Thus, considering the evidence of early-dated artifacts and the analysis provided in the passage, the argument supports the idea that some antler artifacts found outside Scandinavia could have origins there, tying into broader trade narratives.

Answer 3

The comprehension passage discusses the historical perception of Vikings and their activities in northern Europe. It highlights the Vikings' involvement in trade relations before becoming known as raiders. Using this information, we need to identify which option does not hold true according to the passage content. 

1. Vikings brought reindeer from Norway to Denmark for trade purposes. This statement is supported by the passage; the Vikings brought reindeer antlers from Norway, as combs made from such antlers were found at archaeological sites in Denmark.
2. Before becoming the raiders of northern Europe, Vikings had trade relations with European nations. This statement is also reinforced by the passage. It notes that Vikings engaged in trade activities in northern Europe before their raiding period began around 793.
3. Antler combs, regarded by the Vikings as a symbol of good health, were part of the Viking culture. The passage directly states that decorative combs made from antlers were part of Viking culture and symbolized good health.
4. Vikings, once upon a time, had trade relations with Denmark and Scandinavia. While it's true that Vikings had trade relations in Scandinavia, the passage suggests that the trade covered a wider European scope, not limited only to Denmark and Scandinavia. This option doesn't fully align with the broader context provided.

Therefore, the statement "Vikings, once upon a. time, had trade relations with Denmark and Scandinavia." is the exception as it oversimplifies the broader trading activities of the Vikings described in the passage.