Metallurgy is “the art and science of extracting metals from their ores and modifying them for use”. The Vikings began to use metallurgy around the 8th century B.C.. Metallurgy is a long complicated process to master, which involves mixing metals into alloys, mastering many physical and chemical reactions, and learning many processes. Viking metalworkers used tools such as bloomery furnaces to extract iron from ore, clay cups to melt metals, and ingots that they melted to create objects (Britannica).

Metallurgy was used by the Vikings to create many useful objects that developed their civilization and contributed to religious practices. Metalworkers made items such as weapons, tools, jewelry, metal fragments, religious items, and decorative items in their work. Much of the jewelry that was worn by the Vikings showed their social status, wealth, or religion. Some religious items include items that were used in ritual practices by the Vikings. Many of the weapons and tools used by the Vikings contributed to the growth and safety of their civilization (Fiveable).

Before the Vikings adopted metallurgy it was already widely used across Europe. Despite this the Vikings' use of metallurgy still had impacts on other civilizations. The Vikings used metallurgy to make items for trade such as jewelry, ingots, and weapons. Some of the weapons the Vikings made for trade were engraved by them which helped spread their culture and religion to new areas. The Vikings' use of metallurgy for trade also contributed to the spread of Viking craftsmanship, art, and techniques (Springer).