The Vikings
900 A.D.–1035 A.D.
Why It’s Important During the 900s, Charlemagne’s empire and Anglo-Saxon England were attacked by new invaders
known as Norseman, or Vikings (vı-k–engs). They came from the far northern part of Europe now called Scandinavia (skan
duh na–ve–uh). They spread fear and destruction throughout western Europe. However, they opened up new trade routes
and taught seafaring skills to other Europeans.
The Vikings captured parts of Britain and France. They ruled cities in Russia and set up colonies on islands in the North
Atlantic. They even traveled to North America. Those who went abroad married the people they conquered and accepted a
newreligion andnewcustoms. Others stayed in Scandinavia and set up the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
known as Norseman, or Vikings (vı-k–engs). They came from the far northern part of Europe now called Scandinavia (skan
duh na–ve–uh). They spread fear and destruction throughout western Europe. However, they opened up new trade routes
and taught seafaring skills to other Europeans.
The Vikings captured parts of Britain and France. They ruled cities in Russia and set up colonies on islands in the North
Atlantic. They even traveled to North America. Those who went abroad married the people they conquered and accepted a
newreligion andnewcustoms. Others stayed in Scandinavia and set up the kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
The Land
The Viking homeland of Scandinavia was an area made up mostly of forests and long, rugged coastlines. The southern part,
known as Jutland (juht’ luhnd), or Denmark, had many natural harbors and was well suited for farming. It had large plains where the Vikings grew grains and pastured their cattle, sheep, and pigs.
The rest of Scandinavia was not as well suited to farming. The soil was rocky, and the growing season was short. The coastline, however, had many fjords (f e yo rdz’), or narrow bays. Because of this, the people turned to the sea to make a living.
known as Jutland (juht’ luhnd), or Denmark, had many natural harbors and was well suited for farming. It had large plains where the Vikings grew grains and pastured their cattle, sheep, and pigs.
The rest of Scandinavia was not as well suited to farming. The soil was rocky, and the growing season was short. The coastline, however, had many fjords (f e yo rdz’), or narrow bays. Because of this, the people turned to the sea to make a living.
Ships and Trade The Vikings built ships with timber from the dense forests. These ships were large and well suited for long voyages. The bodies were long and narrow. The sides, where a single row of 16 oars was placed, were usually decorated with black or yellow shields. The tall bows were carved in the shape of a dragon’s head. This was supposed to frighten both enemies and the evil spirits of the ocean. The strongly sewn sails were square and often striped red and yellow. The ships bore names like “Snake of the Sea,” “Raven of the Wind,” and “Lion of the Waves.”
An awning in the forepart of the ship protected sailors from bad weather. They slept in leather sleeping bags and carried
bronze pots in which to cook meals. Whenever possible, they cooked meals ashore to avoid the danger of a fire onboard ship.
The Vikings plotted their courses by the positions of the sun and the stars. They sailed far out into the North Sea and the
Atlantic Ocean in search of good fishing areas and trade. They did most of their traveling and trading in spring after their fields were sown or in fall after their crops were harvested. They spent the long winters repairing their boats and weapons.
The Vikings were as successful in trade as the Phoenicians. Viking traders carried furs, hides, fish, and enslaved people to
western Europe and the Mediterranean. They returned from these areas with silk, wine, wheat, and silver.
An awning in the forepart of the ship protected sailors from bad weather. They slept in leather sleeping bags and carried
bronze pots in which to cook meals. Whenever possible, they cooked meals ashore to avoid the danger of a fire onboard ship.
The Vikings plotted their courses by the positions of the sun and the stars. They sailed far out into the North Sea and the
Atlantic Ocean in search of good fishing areas and trade. They did most of their traveling and trading in spring after their fields were sown or in fall after their crops were harvested. They spent the long winters repairing their boats and weapons.
The Vikings were as successful in trade as the Phoenicians. Viking traders carried furs, hides, fish, and enslaved people to
western Europe and the Mediterranean. They returned from these areas with silk, wine, wheat, and silver.
Towns, Villages, and Jarls Trade led to the growth of market towns in Scandinavia. These towns generally had two
main streets that ran along the water’s edge. Buyers and sellers set up booths along these streets where they showed their wares. The towns were protected on their land side by mounds of Earth surrounded by wooden walls with towers.
Most Vikings lived in villages scattered all through the country. Their houses were made of logs or boards. The roofs,
which were made of sod-covered wood, slanted deeply to shed the heavy winter snows. Carved dragons decorated the roofs at
either end. Each house had a small porch at its front that was held up by carved pillars.
Distance and the cold winters isolated the people of one village from those of another. Because of this, there was no central
government. The people were divided into groups ruled by military chiefs called jarls (yahrlz). Some jarls were elected, while
others inherited their position. Sometimes, a jarl became strong enough to take over neighboring lands. When a jarl had enough land under his rule, he was looked upon as a king.
main streets that ran along the water’s edge. Buyers and sellers set up booths along these streets where they showed their wares. The towns were protected on their land side by mounds of Earth surrounded by wooden walls with towers.
Most Vikings lived in villages scattered all through the country. Their houses were made of logs or boards. The roofs,
which were made of sod-covered wood, slanted deeply to shed the heavy winter snows. Carved dragons decorated the roofs at
either end. Each house had a small porch at its front that was held up by carved pillars.
Distance and the cold winters isolated the people of one village from those of another. Because of this, there was no central
government. The people were divided into groups ruled by military chiefs called jarls (yahrlz). Some jarls were elected, while
others inherited their position. Sometimes, a jarl became strong enough to take over neighboring lands. When a jarl had enough land under his rule, he was looked upon as a king.
Daily Life
Family life was important to the Vikings. Most households had 20 to 30 members, including parents, grandparents, married children, and grandchildren. Families often fought bloody feuds to defend their honor. The payment of fines later ended such feuds.
The People Viking warriors were called berserkers (ber zerk’ erz). They believed in a life of action and valued deeds that
called for strength and courage. They fought to gain wealth, honor, and fame. They believed that a liking for war brought special honors from the gods.
To call their warriors to battle, the Vikings lit bonfires on the tops of mountains. Those who saw a fire would light a new one to spread the message. Warriors fought with battle axes, swords, and spears. Metal helmets decorated with animal figures protected their heads. Shirts made of iron rings and covered by a large cloth protected their bodies. Warriors preferred to die by their own hand rather than give their enemies the satisfaction of capturing or killing them.
The women encouraged their men to fight. A Viking groom bought his wife from her family on their wedding day. If he was
not pleased with her, he could sell her. Yet, the position of Viking women was quite high. They took complete charge of the home. They could attend public meetings and talk with men other than their husbands. They could own property and get a divorce. Many Viking women grew herbs that were used as medicine.
Both men and women liked fine clothes. Men usually dressed in trousers and woolen shirts covered by knee-length tunics.
Broad leather belts held the clothing in place. Sheepskin hoods and caps kept their heads warm. For special events, men wore red cloaks with brooches and carried decorated swords and daggers. Women also wore tunics held in place by a belt. They covered their heads with woolen or linen caps and wore large brooches, pins, and bracelets. Both men and women wore their hair long. The men took great pride in their mustaches and beards. Calling a Viking man “beardless” was an insult that could be wiped out only by death.
The Vikings had no schools. Girls were taught household skills, such as spinning, weaving, and sewing, by their mothers. Boys were taught to use the bow and arrow and to be good fighters by their fathers. Boys also memorized tales of heroes and gods and competed in games that tested their strength and endurance.
The People Viking warriors were called berserkers (ber zerk’ erz). They believed in a life of action and valued deeds that
called for strength and courage. They fought to gain wealth, honor, and fame. They believed that a liking for war brought special honors from the gods.
To call their warriors to battle, the Vikings lit bonfires on the tops of mountains. Those who saw a fire would light a new one to spread the message. Warriors fought with battle axes, swords, and spears. Metal helmets decorated with animal figures protected their heads. Shirts made of iron rings and covered by a large cloth protected their bodies. Warriors preferred to die by their own hand rather than give their enemies the satisfaction of capturing or killing them.
The women encouraged their men to fight. A Viking groom bought his wife from her family on their wedding day. If he was
not pleased with her, he could sell her. Yet, the position of Viking women was quite high. They took complete charge of the home. They could attend public meetings and talk with men other than their husbands. They could own property and get a divorce. Many Viking women grew herbs that were used as medicine.
Both men and women liked fine clothes. Men usually dressed in trousers and woolen shirts covered by knee-length tunics.
Broad leather belts held the clothing in place. Sheepskin hoods and caps kept their heads warm. For special events, men wore red cloaks with brooches and carried decorated swords and daggers. Women also wore tunics held in place by a belt. They covered their heads with woolen or linen caps and wore large brooches, pins, and bracelets. Both men and women wore their hair long. The men took great pride in their mustaches and beards. Calling a Viking man “beardless” was an insult that could be wiped out only by death.
The Vikings had no schools. Girls were taught household skills, such as spinning, weaving, and sewing, by their mothers. Boys were taught to use the bow and arrow and to be good fighters by their fathers. Boys also memorized tales of heroes and gods and competed in games that tested their strength and endurance.
Religion The Vikings worshiped many gods that at first were similar to the Germanic gods. Over time, they changed their
gods to suit the hard life of Scandinavia. The Vikings believed that the gods were responsible for the weather and for the growth of crops. Since the gods liked to hunt, fish, and play tricks on one another, the Vikings viewed them as extra-powerful humans.
The Vikings bargained with their gods to get what they wanted. Priests offered sacrifices of crops and animals for the
whole village. Most Vikings also had small shrines in their homes where they could pray or offer sacrifices.
The Vikings were proud of their gods and told stories of the gods’ great deeds. These stories later became written poems
called Eddas (ed’ uhz). The Vikings also made up sagas (sah’ guhz), or long tales. At first, storytellers used to recite them at
special feasts. One such tale took 12 days to recite. After 1100, the Vikings wrote down their sagas. With the coming of Christianity, however, the people lost interest in them. Many were forgotten or were forbidden by the Church. Only the people on the isolated island of Iceland passed on the old tales.
Early on, the Vikings spoke a language similar to that of the Germans. In time, the one language developed into four—Danish, Norwegian (nor we’ juhn), Swedish, and Icelandic. These languages were written with letters called runes (runz), which few people except priests could understand or use. The Vikings used the runes as magic charms. They wrote the runes in metal and carved them in bone in the hope that they would bring good luck. When the Vikings accepted Christianity, they began to write their languages with Roman letters.
gods to suit the hard life of Scandinavia. The Vikings believed that the gods were responsible for the weather and for the growth of crops. Since the gods liked to hunt, fish, and play tricks on one another, the Vikings viewed them as extra-powerful humans.
The Vikings bargained with their gods to get what they wanted. Priests offered sacrifices of crops and animals for the
whole village. Most Vikings also had small shrines in their homes where they could pray or offer sacrifices.
The Vikings were proud of their gods and told stories of the gods’ great deeds. These stories later became written poems
called Eddas (ed’ uhz). The Vikings also made up sagas (sah’ guhz), or long tales. At first, storytellers used to recite them at
special feasts. One such tale took 12 days to recite. After 1100, the Vikings wrote down their sagas. With the coming of Christianity, however, the people lost interest in them. Many were forgotten or were forbidden by the Church. Only the people on the isolated island of Iceland passed on the old tales.
Early on, the Vikings spoke a language similar to that of the Germans. In time, the one language developed into four—Danish, Norwegian (nor we’ juhn), Swedish, and Icelandic. These languages were written with letters called runes (runz), which few people except priests could understand or use. The Vikings used the runes as magic charms. They wrote the runes in metal and carved them in bone in the hope that they would bring good luck. When the Vikings accepted Christianity, they began to write their languages with Roman letters.
Raiders and Adventurers
Scandinavia’s population kept increasing. By the end of the 800s, many Viking villages were overcrowded, and there was not enough food for everyone. Since there was no central government, the kings constantly fought one another and made life
difficult for their enemies. Before long, many Viking warriors began to seek their fortunes in other lands. They set sail on their
long, deckless ships that were propelled through the water with oars. On them, the Vikings could safely sail the deep water of the Atlantic Ocean or the shallow rivers of Europe.
difficult for their enemies. Before long, many Viking warriors began to seek their fortunes in other lands. They set sail on their
long, deckless ships that were propelled through the water with oars. On them, the Vikings could safely sail the deep water of the Atlantic Ocean or the shallow rivers of Europe.
From East Europe to North America Viking adventurers traveled to and raided areas from east Europe to North
America. Swedish Vikings crossed the Baltic Sea and traveled down the rivers toward what is now Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. They established a trade water route from the Baltic to the Black Sea and on to the wealthy city of Byzantium (bi zan’ te uhm). This water route becameknownas theVarangian (vah rahng e’uhn) Route. In 862, a Swedish chief named Rurik (ru ’ rik) founded a Viking settlement that became the Kievan Rus state.
America. Swedish Vikings crossed the Baltic Sea and traveled down the rivers toward what is now Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. They established a trade water route from the Baltic to the Black Sea and on to the wealthy city of Byzantium (bi zan’ te uhm). This water route becameknownas theVarangian (vah rahng e’uhn) Route. In 862, a Swedish chief named Rurik (ru ’ rik) founded a Viking settlement that became the Kievan Rus state.
Norwegian Vikings set up trading towns in Ireland, explored the North Atlantic, and founded a colony on Iceland. Led by an
adventurer named Erik the Red, they founded a colony on the island of Greenland in 986. Then, Erik’s son, Leif Eriksson (lef er’ ik suhn), landed on the northeast coast of North America. He and his followers named the spot where they landed Vinland because of the wild grapes they found growing there. Today, the area is called Newfoundland (nu’ fuhn luhnd). The Vikings did not set up a colony in Vinland because it was so far away from home and because they were repeatedly attacked by Native Americans.
Most Viking adventurers, however, went to western and southern Europe in search of food and valuables. They disguised
their ships to look like wooded islands by covering them with tree branches. Then they traveled far up the rivers to make surprise attacks. They stole goods, destroyed homes, burned churches, and killed or enslaved people they captured. All Europe feared the Vikings. In their churches, the people prayed, “From the fury of the Norsemen, Good Lord, deliver us!”
adventurer named Erik the Red, they founded a colony on the island of Greenland in 986. Then, Erik’s son, Leif Eriksson (lef er’ ik suhn), landed on the northeast coast of North America. He and his followers named the spot where they landed Vinland because of the wild grapes they found growing there. Today, the area is called Newfoundland (nu’ fuhn luhnd). The Vikings did not set up a colony in Vinland because it was so far away from home and because they were repeatedly attacked by Native Americans.
Most Viking adventurers, however, went to western and southern Europe in search of food and valuables. They disguised
their ships to look like wooded islands by covering them with tree branches. Then they traveled far up the rivers to make surprise attacks. They stole goods, destroyed homes, burned churches, and killed or enslaved people they captured. All Europe feared the Vikings. In their churches, the people prayed, “From the fury of the Norsemen, Good Lord, deliver us!”
The Danes The Danes were among those Vikings who raided western and southern Europe. One group invaded England and set up settlements there in the Danelaw. Their right to rule this area had been recognized by Alfred the Great. In 954,
an heir of Alfred the Great forced the Danes to leave. In 978, Ethelred (eth’ uhl red), nicknamed the Unready, became king of
England. The Danes saw their chance and began raiding England again. At first, Ethelred was able to buy them off with silver. In 1016, however, a Danish king called Knut, or Canute (kuh nu t’), conquered England and made it part of his North Sea Empire. Canute was a powerful and just ruler. He converted to Christianity and brought peace and prosperity to England. Soon after his death in 1035, however, Danish control of the country came to an end. Some Danes left England. Those who remained became a part of the English people and culture.
Another group of Danes tried to take the city of Paris in France, but the French managed to fight them off. In 885, the Danes tried again. The people of Paris held them off for ten months. Finally, the French king paid the Danes gold to abandon their attack.
Led by a warrior named Rollo (rahl’ o), the Danes began settling along the French coast opposite England. In 911, the
French king signed a treaty with Rollo. He gave the Danes this land. In return, the Danes became Christians and promised to be loyal to the French king. The region in which the Danes settled became known first as the Norselaw and then as Normandy (nor’ muhn de). The people became known as Normans.
an heir of Alfred the Great forced the Danes to leave. In 978, Ethelred (eth’ uhl red), nicknamed the Unready, became king of
England. The Danes saw their chance and began raiding England again. At first, Ethelred was able to buy them off with silver. In 1016, however, a Danish king called Knut, or Canute (kuh nu t’), conquered England and made it part of his North Sea Empire. Canute was a powerful and just ruler. He converted to Christianity and brought peace and prosperity to England. Soon after his death in 1035, however, Danish control of the country came to an end. Some Danes left England. Those who remained became a part of the English people and culture.
Another group of Danes tried to take the city of Paris in France, but the French managed to fight them off. In 885, the Danes tried again. The people of Paris held them off for ten months. Finally, the French king paid the Danes gold to abandon their attack.
Led by a warrior named Rollo (rahl’ o), the Danes began settling along the French coast opposite England. In 911, the
French king signed a treaty with Rollo. He gave the Danes this land. In return, the Danes became Christians and promised to be loyal to the French king. The region in which the Danes settled became known first as the Norselaw and then as Normandy (nor’ muhn de). The people became known as Normans.
Danish King Canute followed in the footsteps of his father, who conquered England in 1013. When his father died, the Anglo-Saxons refused to make Canute king, so he led the Danes in a second war of conquest. In 1016, he became the sole king of England. In 1018 he inherited the Danish throne, and in 1028 he seized the throne of Norway. Although Canute’s sons lost England, a distant kinsman from Normandy—William the Conqueror— would reclaim it in 1066.