Dubh linn evolved into the settlement of Dyflin, which swelled to become a major trading empire with countries as far afield as continental Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

BBC: Dublin's Viking heritage

Hovering in the background of their meeting in Vienna last week, which produced agreement on the broad outlines of a settlement, was the influential figure of Dragan Karic, one of three Serbian brothers whose business empire straddles Moscow and Belgrade.

ECONOMIST: Bombs over Belgrade, diplomatic as well as military