Vikings and Their Culture

The Vikings were a germanic people who rose up in the 700's, but then were overthrown in the 11th century, which weakened their culture. The Vikings are are the most interesting peoples I have studied this year, because they seem to not have cared about what other people thought about them. Many people believe that the Vikings were barbarians who wore horns on their helmets at war, and so did I. After reading about them, I have realized that they were actually a part of a civilized agricultural and religious society, who enjoyed the spoils of war and attention from the women.

The Vikings originated from Scandinavia, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, but in the early 700's the spread and settled throughout Europe and Asia. The Vikings were known as blood thirsty, war loving peoples, although they had thriving agricultural communities of their own during the Viking Age. In 801 they united themselves under a single government that made it harder to go to war. Some historians believe this helped them to expand, but I don't because they expanded by going to war and winning over more territory. Several other historians believe that their fleeing from Charlemagne who tried to force their conversion to christianity led to expansion. The Vikings, once expanded, began to grow their society and became successful until the end of the viking age, when they lost the Battle of Stamford Bridge to King Henry of England.

The word Viking actually comes from the old norse words that mean "seamen", and "expedition". Vikings had two types of ships; Longships, and Knarrs. Longships were naval vessels used for warfare, exploration, and trade. They are true to their name, and because of this they are very fast and can go in water as shallow as one meter deep. A Knarr was a merchant ship used to transport goods. It is wider, deeper, and shorter then a longship. All Viking men were required to own a weapon, and could freely open and or conceal carry. Northmen were ranked by war accomplishments, and the more honorable men wore nicer amour. Vikings went to war all the time, and were making other tribes afraid of them because of their agressive way at war that often succeeded. They would surprise attack unsuspecting camps of people and throw people in the water to drown. They often attacked churches and massacred pastors.

The Vikings are still remembered today because one of their people ----- Leif Ericsson, discovered what is now America for parts of Europe. The Vikings also worshipped the Gods Odin, Thor, and Freya, which our days Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are named after.