The Vikings

Who? Scandinavian raiders & farmers Raided but also planted settlements and eventually blended in with the populations Norsemen means people from the North

When and why? Circa 800 CE – 1100 CE Push factors: overpopulation at home, booty to be won abroad, warming global temperatures made northern sea travel easier.

than all in Britain is given as a prey 'Lo, it is nearly 350 years that we and our fathers have inhabited this most lovely land, and never before has such terror appeared in Britain as we have now suffered from a pagan race, nor was it thought that such an inroad from the sea could be made. Behold the church of St Cuthbert spattered with the blood of the priests of God, despoiled of all its ornaments; a place more venerable than all in Britain is given as a prey to pagan peoples...'. - Letter from Alcuin to Ethelred, king of Northumbria

The first place the Vikings attacked in Britain was the monastery at Lindisfarne. A few years later the island of Iona (off the west coast of Scotland), came under attack and its monks were slaughtered. Soon no region of the British Isles (Britain and nearby islands) was safe from the Vikings. No matter how many times the Vikings were beaten, they always came back, and in the end all their efforts paid off.

Where? Mainly coastal areas Britain France (Normandy) North Africa Russia and Byzantium North America, Greenland, Iceland Vinland- 5 centuries prior to Chris Columbus

Results? Caused chaos and fear short-term Slowly converted to Christianity Settled down and integrated

Kievan Rus

Political Structure Ruled by a series of princes – the city of Kiev’s prince was the leader and strongest Rural with many peasants

Economic Structure Kiev and other cities made money off of trade Amber and furs were traded down the main rivers toward the Black and Caspian seas

Cultural Attributes Converted to Orthodox Christianity in the 900s Hierarchal church structure with leadership from the much admired Byzantine Empire and Patriarch in Constantinople Vlad getting dunked!

Prepare yourself for something cool & super cute!