The Viking Age was a time of great sea adventures and advanced ship designs. It was marked by the creation of different types of boats, including the Gokstad ship. These included the famous longships and vital merchant ships. Longships were known for raids and battles, but merchant ships were key for trade and discovery. Understanding […]
Category Archives: Vikings
The figure of Athelstan looms large in the history of medieval England. One is often commended as the first king to unite the diverse Anglo-Saxon kingdoms into what would become England. But was Athelstan real or just a man of myth and legend, similar to other historical figures like those chronicled by Malmesbury? This article […]
The term “drakkar” refers to a special Viking ship with a dragon head at the front. In Norse, “drakkar” means “dragon.” This shows how important these ships were to the Vikings. They were more than just boats; they were marvels of naval engineering. These ships let the Vikings travel long distances across Europe and even […]
The Vikings converted to Christianity, marking a key moment in history. We’ll examine why they made this change based on social, political, and spiritual reasons. Let’s explore how Vikings and Christianity intertwined. We’ll see what led to the Vikings’ major change in beliefs, which affected their beliefs and ways of life. We`ll also answer a […]
Among multiple famous Vikings, King Harald Hardrada is known as the last Viking king. He lived in the 11th century and ruled Norway. His life shows great courage and ambition during a time of big changes. He was born Harald Sigurdsson. His actions changed Norway’s politics and helped end the Viking Age. He is famous […]
Viking history is not just in Scandinavia; it extends to places like Iceland and Newfoundland. Canada has some key Viking sites showing a deep exploration and settlement history. L’Anse aux Meadows is the only confirmed Norse site in North America. It gives us a peek into the lives of brave sailors. Canadian Viking history, particularly […]
The world of Viking war songs is full of history and culture. These songs were key in the life of Norse warriors. They were not just battle cries but also told stories of the Vikings’ adventures and beliefs. These songs have deep roots in the Viking Age. They mix music, tradition, and community identity. Exploring […]
The staple Viking meal was more than just food. It was the heart of their cuisine and their bond with the land. Grains like barley, oats, and rye were key in the typical Viking diet, forming the basis of many daily meals. They made porridge, a favorite among the Vikings. Seasonal food was important as […]
Ireland’s history is full of stories from the Viking Age. This time changed Ireland’s culture and land, marking the beginning of the Viking era. The Vikings came in the late 8th century, bringing new trade and settlements. Now, many viking archaeological sites in Ireland remain. They show us the old settlements and artifacts. These sites […]
The Viking graffiti is on Hagia Sophia’s marble parapets in the upper gallery. It shows how the Norse and Byzantine Empires were connected. Hagia Sophia was first a Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque, and now a museum that houses runic inscriptions in its marble. This famous building in Istanbul, Turkey, has a long history […]