The Vikings

Viking Intro Vikings were from Scandinavia which incorporates the modern-countries of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. (Also Iceland and Finland.) Spoke “old Norse” which is the mother-tongue of modern day Nordic languages. Vikings were raiders which were like pirates. They later became full-fledged invaders. Reasons for invasion not entirely known: theorized that Christian expansion and lack of farmland could have sparked raids. Also, since they mostly lived by the coast expansion via ship was a natural choice versus terrestrial expansion towards the inhospitable northern climates. The Viking threat influenced the shape of medieval European society – especially feudalism. The image of the Viking persists today – movies, comics, video games, sports teams.

Pop Culture

Pop culture, cont’d… The Vikings endure today; not only in the modern Scandinavian countries but in imagery in sports franchises, books, video games, and movies. They are generally depicted as tough, violent, vicious invaders.

Weapons / Armor Vikings fought with Iron and Leather equipment. Common Viking weapons were Axes, Swords and Spears. Common Viking armor included Helmets, Ringmail and Shields. A popular myth is that Vikings had horned helmets – this is false! Some Gods had winged helmets.

Viking Longship Viking = “Raider” Used to cross both seas and rivers (could travel in shallow waters and transported on log rollers over land). Very fast Held Vikings

Grooming Saturday = Washing day Aside from their weapons, Vikings valued their combs! Combs were very common in burial chambers of Vikings. According to a Islamic academic who visited the Viking settlement of Hedeby – both Viking Men and Women wore eye makeup.

Scandinavia – on a world map. Scandinavia is found in Northern Europe.

Includes the modern countries of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Geography Located far North, Scandinavia (especially the Northern regions) is extremely cold and dry. Climate is varied, however, and some southern regions may not get any snow in the winter. Contains a vast coastline, and most of the population lives in the South and along the coast.

Viking Settlements Vikings (along with most other peoples throughout history) preferred to build their settlements along water. Their favorite locations were at the end of fjords, which are long narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs. This forced invaders to approach from one direction along the water – and allowed Vikings to see them coming.