The Vikings

Who were the Vikings? The Vikings were raiders from Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark and Sweden). The Vikings were raiders from Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark and Sweden). Only when they were raiding were they "vikings": They were mainly farmers who raised livestock and fishermen, some of whom went "a-viking" in the summer. Only when they were raiding were they "vikings": They were mainly farmers who raised livestock and fishermen, some of whom went "a-viking" in the summer. The Vikings were also known as the Norse or Northmen. The Vikings were also known as the Norse or Northmen.

When did the Vikings live? The Viking Age began about 750 AD The Viking Age began about 750 AD The end of the Viking Age is usually given as 1066 when the Norwegian King Harald Haraade lost a battle to the English King Harold. The end of the Viking Age is usually given as 1066 when the Norwegian King Harald Haraade lost a battle to the English King Harold.

Where did the Vikings go?

Where did they go? WEST: The Vikings sailed west and discovered Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland, which today is know as New Foundland, Canada. WEST: The Vikings sailed west and discovered Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland, which today is know as New Foundland, Canada. EAST: They sailed east to Estonia, and from there sailed down rivers to get further into the land. By sailing on rivers, the Vikings got as far as the Black Sea! EAST: They sailed east to Estonia, and from there sailed down rivers to get further into the land. By sailing on rivers, the Vikings got as far as the Black Sea! SOUTH: Most frequently they traveled to the British Isles, Ireland or France, which many monasteries and villages sadly experienced... Isolated towns and churches were easy targets for the Vikings, as the locals were caught off guard and had not sufficient weapons to defend themselves. SOUTH: Most frequently they traveled to the British Isles, Ireland or France, which many monasteries and villages sadly experienced... Isolated towns and churches were easy targets for the Vikings, as the locals were caught off guard and had not sufficient weapons to defend themselves. COLONIES: In Northern England the Norsemen settled and established a large colony. A great number of Vikings settled on Iceland in the 9th century, and some went further west, to Greenland. Some Vikings also settled in Eastern Europe. COLONIES: In Northern England the Norsemen settled and established a large colony. A great number of Vikings settled on Iceland in the 9th century, and some went further west, to Greenland. Some Vikings also settled in Eastern Europe.

What did they do? Raiding and Pillaging Raiding and Pillaging –They traveled by sea or up rivers in their fast and beautiful longships to attack and seize treasures from monasteries, towns, and churches. Trading Trading –The Norse were traders and skilled craftspeople in wood, jewelry, stone, and ivory. –In Asia, they traded goods, often slaves, with Arabic merchants and brought back home exotic goods like glass and spices. –In Asia, they traded goods, often slaves, with Arabic merchants and brought back home exotic goods like glass and spices. Exploring Exploring –They created far-flung trade networks and settlements throughout Europe and across the North Atlantic Ocean to Iceland, Greenland, and briefly to the North American Mainland.

Why did they raid? The increased wealth and trading within Europe The increased wealth and trading within Europe Fine treasures available in monasteries and churches Fine treasures available in monasteries and churches Political instability in Scandinavia Political instability in Scandinavia Improved technology of the longships Improved technology of the longships Political unrest and frequent warfare in Europe Political unrest and frequent warfare in Europe Over-population and limited farmland in Scandinavia. Over-population and limited farmland in Scandinavia.

How did they travel? There were two distinct classes of Viking ships: the longship and the knarr. There were two distinct classes of Viking ships: the longship and the knarr. The more famous longship was intended for warfare and exploration. The more famous longship was intended for warfare and exploration. –designed for speed and agility –equipped with oars to complement the sail –long and narrow hull, in order to facilitate landings in shallow water The knarr was a slower merchant vessel with a greater cargo capacity than the longship. The knarr was a slower merchant vessel with a greater cargo capacity than the longship.

How do we know about Vikings? Picture stones and grave monuments Picture stones and grave monuments Chronicles written by European monks Chronicles written by European monks Norse literature (the sagas) written years after the end of the Viking Age Norse literature (the sagas) written years after the end of the Viking Age Archeology and excavations Archeology and excavations Bayeux Tapestry Bayeux Tapestry