The Vikings’ activities on the European continent have meant that substantial amounts of Frankish silver have been found in Denmark. The Frankish silver was often in the form of mountings and buckles that were part of military equipment. Originally they would have been used for example for hanging swords and on parade harnesses for horses. Not everyone would have been privileged to have such fine equipment, and it probably belonged to the Frankish nobility. Some of these objects found their way to Denmark. Most may have come here in connection with Viking raids and hostage-taking. Some may also have been given as gifts to the Vikings by the Frankish nobility, either to keep on good terms with them or as pay to mercenaries with a Scandinavian background.