1. Wealth: Monasteries were often wealthy institutions, possessing large amounts of gold, silver, and other valuable objects. These riches were often stored in the monastery's treasury or church.
2. Lack of defenses: Monasteries were typically not heavily fortified, making them easy targets for Viking raids. While some monasteries did have defensive structures, these were often not sufficient to withstand a concerted attack by a large group of Vikings.
3. Isolation: Many monasteries were located in remote areas, far from the reach of royal armies or other forms of protection. This isolation made them particularly vulnerable to Viking raids.
4. Religious significance: Monasteries were important centers of religious and cultural life, and raiding them was seen as a way to undermine the Christian faith and assert Viking power.
5. Abundance of food and supplies: Monasteries often had large stores of food and other supplies, making them a valuable source of provisions for the Vikings. This was especially important during the winter months, when food was scarce.