The Vikings Who are they? Where did they come from? What motivated them? Why are they important to the Early Middle Ages?

Where do we begin? Franks have settled into Gaul (France) Anlgo-Saxons drove out the native Celtic people, and forced them to Britain. St. Patrick has transformed the lifestyle of the Celtic people from practicing ‘Druidism” and introduced Christianity. Monasteries have become safe havens, centers for learning, and places of worship. All is calm…..

The Vikings are coming!!! The Vikings are coming!!! In the year 855, a Viking force attacked and plundered Paris. The attack struck deep into Charlemagne’s old empire. Their “war parties” devastated parts of Europe Netherlands Belgium Ireland England

Where did they come from? Vikings originated in Scandinavia Modern day Norway, Denmark, Sweden Used the Mediterranean Sea to attack Italy and Spain. The peace of mind of Europeans that was created by Charlemagne was destroyed

The key to Viking attacks….longships! Viking “Longships” became a unique characteristic of Viking raids, with many benefits: Crafted for quick arrivals and quick departures – no front or back to “longships.” Shallow for travel along rivers. Carry up to 32 people, and room for stolen goods Created for travelling along the shorelines, up rivers, and around fjords. Fjords are narrow inlets from the ocean that had steep cliffs on both sides – useful for protection from invaders

Who were the Vikings? Mercilessly destructive group of people. Motivated by land, power, and resources. Most Vikings were also farmers and fishermen Initial raids began in search of land that was good for farming Monarchs and church leaders were terrified of the Vikings The Vikings took payments called Danegeld from rulers just to stay away from their villages.

Viking Society The Vikings formed small farming villages Men and women shared the work load in Viking farming villages. Viking landowners would employ slaves known as thralls. Most people who were thralls were captured on Viking raids and had no legal rights within the Viking society

Viking Law and Government The Vikings were well organized due to the laws they created. “Free Vikings” would meet at the “Thing,” a version of parliament to make decisions. Many laws were designed to protect people and their property. Laws were not written down though, Law Speakers would memorize the law and recite it when needed. The worst sentence for committing a crime? To be declared an outlaw!!! Vikings could kill an outlaw if they were seen returning to the village.