The Trading Empire (S01E02)

Neil Oliver embarks on a journey from the Scandinavian regions to Russia, Turkey, and Ireland, exploring the origins of an expansive trading empire that expertly managed Chinese silks alongside Pictish slaves. As he delves into this rich history, Neil uncovers a realm filled with 'starry-eyed maidens' and Buddhist statues, contrasting sharply with the British image of axe-wielding warriors—though, interestingly, he finds that there were plenty of those too.