The invaluable resource that Vikings traded extensively during their expeditions was primarily fur, particularly from animals such as sable and lynx. Their trade network extended across Europe, linking Scandinavia to markets in the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East. In addition to fur, Vikings traded in timber, iron, textiles, and amber, but fur was especially sought after in the warmer regions where it was a luxury item. The success of these trade routes contributed to Viking wealth, fostering the growth of settlements and impacting the cultures they encountered, as they exchanged goods, ideas, and technologies with other civilizations.