1. The Vikings
Scourge of the North?

2. Vikings Invade British Isles
Vikings reach their height of power in the 9th and 10th centuries
Vikings were called “Norsemen” or “Northmen”
They were incredible sailors who raided the coast of Europe
Used Runic Alphabet as their form of writing (
Longships: Viking boats – they were wooden and could travel over the water swiftly and safely
Could be considered Middle Ages “Pirates”

3. Viking Discoveries
Established settlements in North America called “Vinland” or “Wine land” in about 1000AD
Located in modern Newfoundland
Discovered by: Leif Ericson (Erikson)
Thought to have been blown off course
Discovered two major islands in the North Atlantic Ocean
Iceland
Greenland

4. Famous Vikings Erik the Red: discovered Greenland in 892AD
Leif Ericson: Discovered the New World around 1000AD
Canute: Danish king who in 1016, who defeats the Saxons for control of England
William the Conqueror: took control of England in 1066AD

5. Viking Attacks
England: Vikings met resistance from Angles, Saxons, and Jutes
Alfred the Great ( ): tried to achieve unity of people
Protected from Danish attacks
After his death, Canute (Danish viking and king) took over
France: Norsemen took over northern coast of France now known as Normandy
Normans vs. England: September 1066:
Battle of Hastings: William of Normandy invades England
He defeats Harold I (King of England)
William becomes William I (King of England) and becomes known as William the Conqueror