By The Radiant Ryan Saari and The Cool Cat Collin Shields Vikings

 Vikings were Scandinavian sea faring warriors that raided and settled in vast areas of eastern and western Europe.

 Most believe that Vikings did what they did simply because they got tired of living a repetitive life so they went out and wreaked havoc.

 They started invading the coast of Europe in the 790’s.  The Danes conquered much of the English kingdoms until King Alfred of Wessex defeated Guthrum at Edington and agreed to divide the country in 878.  The last recorded Viking conquest was the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

 Vikings started out in Norway but expanded rapidly across Europe, into Greenland, and North America.

 The Vikings travelled great distances to conquer their foes. This was made possible by the invention of the sail.

 Warriors were lead by a chief warrior: fighting was their business.

 Berserkers were a special class of warrior who wore fur. They attacked their enemies while shouting in a crazed lust for blood.

 Vikings fortified themselves beautifully. They put up massive wooden walls and surrounded their settlement with a moat.

 Yes, there are. In 1970 the York Archaeological Trust dug through 20 feet of deposits to find a Viking city.

 Kings and noblemen would use horses, hounds, and falconry to hunt.  Common Vikings would use bows, arrows, and spears to kill animals ranging from hares to walruses.

 Sword blades, knives, axes, spears, and arrowheads were made out of iron.  Vikings were very advanced sword smiths.  The metal was heated in a furnace until it was soft. It was then was shaped on an anvil with a hammer.  Viking sword smiths featured in many myths and legends.

 If Vikings had never raged Europe, England would not exist as it does today.  They mapped out much of Europe due to their voyages.  They invented very sophisticated boats for navigating certain types of waters.  Founded some of the best and most dynamic states in western Europe.

 For 200 years, you could barely go to church without a prayer, “Deliver us O Lord from the wrath of the Northmen.”  Although many people rampaged Europe, none had such a major impact as the Vikings did.

 Knarr – Used for Atlantic voyages about 54 feet long, could carry up to 24 tons of weight, and often traveled 75 miles in a day in open sea.  Karve – Small ship similar to Knarr used for human transport through shallow waters. Karves were around 17 feet long.

 Faering – An open boat with two pairs of oars.  Longship – Naval Vessels used for trade, commerce, exploration, and warfare. They had a maximum speed of 15 knots.

 When a Viking died, he was cremated. Then they would cast their ashes and belongings out into the sea to reach Valhalla.

 Vikings were polytheistic. Gods included Thor, Odin, Freya, Baldur, and Fenrir.

 You may have been wondering just that. Well, we’ll tell you!  We think Vikings were vital to the culture of Europe. Without Vikings, Europe would be a much different place than it is today.

 National Geographic – In Search of Vikings.  Uncovering History – Everyday life of the Vikings By Neil Grant.  Flashback History: By Dereen Taylor.   /viking.htm /viking.htm  05/ / 05/ /

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