The Vikings

The Vikings of Scandinavia

The Vikings were a group of seafaring people who originated from Scandinavia (present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) during the Viking Age, which lasted roughly from 793 AD to 1066 AD.

They were skilled shipbuilders, explorers, traders, and warriors who left their mark on much of Europe and beyond.

Viking longship

Here are some key things to know about the Vikings:

They were not just raiders: While the Vikings are often portrayed as fearsome raiders, they were also skilled traders, farmers, and artisans. 

They established trade networks that stretched across Europe and beyond, and they founded settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and even North America.

They were skilled sailors: The Vikings were known for their innovative shipbuilding techniques, which allowed them to travel long distances in their iconic longships. They were able to navigate by the stars and sun, and they developed advanced navigational tools.

They had a rich culture: The Vikings had a rich and complex culture that included their own language (Old Norse), mythology, and art. They were skilled storytellers and poets, and they left behind a wealth of literature and art that provides us with insights into their lives.

They had a significant impact on history: The Vikings played a major role in shaping European history. They raided and conquered parts of Europe, but they also introduced new ideas and technologies that helped to shape the development of Europe.

Here are some of the places where the Vikings had a major impact:

The British Isles: The Vikings raided and settled in parts of the British Isles, including England, Scotland, and Ireland. They founded cities such as Dublin and York, and they had a significant impact on the development of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic cultures.

France: The Vikings raided and settled in parts of France, including Normandy. In 911 AD, they were granted a territory by the Frankish king, which became known as Normandy. The Normans, as they came to be known, eventually conquered England in 1066 AD.

Russia: The Vikings, who were also known as Varangians in Eastern Europe, played a major role in the development of Kievan Rus', a powerful state that emerged in Eastern Europe in the 9th century.

Iceland and Greenland: The Vikings were the first Europeans to settle Iceland and Greenland. They established colonies there that lasted for centuries.

North America: The Vikings were the first Europeans to reach North America, landing in Newfoundland around 1000 AD. However, they did not establish any permanent settlements there.