The Vikings

recap The Viking Age in Britain began about 1,200 years ago in the 9th Century AD and lasted for just over 200 years. Bands of fierce raiders began to attack our coasts. Vikings were also known as the Norsemen. Norsemen means 'people from the North‘ They were great travelers and sailed to other parts of Europe, where they traded, raided, and often settled.

Where did they come from?

Where did the Vikings settle The Vikings settled in: Around the north and north west coast of Scotland Parts of Ireland - Dublin is a Viking city The Isle of Man Small parts of Wales Northumbria (which included modern Yorkshire) East Anglia Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Stamford and Lincoln Islands off the coast of Scotland - Shetland, Orkney and The Hebrides

Why did the Vikings come to England? Question Time Why did the Vikings come to England? Better land - Most Vikings were simply searching for better land for their farms. Their land was not very good for growing crops or rearing animals Over crowding - There was not enough good land for everyone to share. In a Viking family only the eldest son inherited the family farm so younger brothers had to make their living elsewhere.  Treasures - The Vikings searched for treasures to make them rich. Britain was particularly a good place to raid, as there was much to steal.  Viking Raids and invasion - http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zhx4q6f Lindsfarne where the Vikings launched their first raid in 793.

Viking Ships Many Vikings were great travellers and sailed all over Europe and the Atlantic Ocean in their longships. Their longships could sail in shallow water which meant they could travel up rivers as well as across the sea.

Viking Houses and Viking Living http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/z7wv9j6

Viking Houses The Vikings built their houses from local material such as wood, stone or blocks of turf. They lived in long rectangular houses made with upright timbers. The walls were made of wattle (woven sticks, covered with mud to keep out the wind and rain). Viking houses were often one room homes with a cooking fire in the middle. The smoke escaped through a hole in the roof. Animals and people lived in the same building. The animals lived in a byre at one end of the house and the people lived at the other.

Clothing – What did the Vikings Wear? During raids Viking men wore armour, shields and weapons to protect themselves but Viking farmers where known to mainly wear tunics Viking women wore tunics, dresses known as Hangeroks and sometimes headscarves Viking children mostly wore tunics All Vikings wore jewellery as a symbol of wealth and status

Farming

Crafts and Everyday activities The Vikings specialised in many different crafts such as Wood carving Jewellery making / bronze working Stone carving Knitting and weaving Fishing Pottery

What did Vikings do in their free time After a successful raid, all the Viking men and women would enjoy a feast Both adults and children would play games similar to chess Remains of instruments have also been found by archaeologists

Norse Gods Vikings worshiped many different Gods and Goddesses. Their religion was an important part of everyday life. Odin - the leader of the gods - god of magic, poetry and war. His wife was Frigg Thor (Tor in Scandinavian languages) was the god of thunder. Thor had iron gloves, a magic belt and a hammer. He was also god of protection. He provided protection from cold hunger, giants and other dangers. Freyr (or Frej in Swedish) - god of agriculture and fertility. 

Norse Gods Odin Thor Freyr

Religion and beliefs Norse Myths (Sagas) The Vikings told many stories about gods, giants, trolls and dragons. They were full of magic, adventure, trickery and mischief. They describe people living in Midgard (Middle Earth) and gods and goddesses living in a sky world called Asgard. A beautiful rainbow bridge linked Midgard with Asgard. Valhalla The Vikings believed that men who died in battle went to Valhalla (Old Norse Valhöll, "Hall of the slain"). It a great hall where dead heroes feasted with the gods.

Viking Sagas Yggdrasill - the World Tree is an Ash tree, at the centre of all worlds. It is the World Tree of life and knowledge, and of time and space. On the highest branches sits an eagle, and twisted round its roots lies a snake, gnawing at the tree. The eagle and the snake hate each other. A squirrel runs up and down the tree, telling each in turn what rude things the other is saying! Ragnarok - The Vikings also believe in Ragnarok which is described as the end of time where the frost and fire giants will meet together to fight the gods and destroy the worlds.

How far did the Vikings travel