Vikings

The raiders who attacked Western Europe in the Eighth, ninth and tenth centuries C.E were called Vikings. The Origin of the Word Viking is unknown – it could have come from the old Norse word ‘//vik’,// which meant a creek or inlet; or it might come from the Icelandic word meaning bay; or the Anglo-Saxon word for warrior; or it could have been just been a word for pirate. Because these seafares came from Scandinavia, they were known as Danes, Norsemen and Northmen. Evidence about the lives of the Vikings comes from the monk’s who’s monasteries were raided by the Vikings recording the events. While the Vikings themselves did not write, they learnt by heart poems and stories about their past. When these were written down they were called sagas. Archaeological evidence is also important, as remains of Viking ships and houses have been found.
 * __ The Vikings __**

=Why did the Vikings travel?= Vikings were excellent navigators, great traders and were skilled in metalwork and carpentry. We cannot say for sure why the Vikings left home and settled in other countries. Scandinavia has a vey harsh climate, with mild, short summers and long, very cold winters. This area is also very mountainous and coastlines have narrow bays with steep sides called fiords. There is no evidence to suggest that they had to leave to find new land on which to settle their growing population, as studies have shown that there was sufficient land available in Scandinavia. Other reasons might include trade, plunder and the love of adventure. However it is more likely that the local chieftains who felt themselves under threat by powerful neighbours or by rulers who wanted to unite their territory into one kingdom, decided to look for new lands across the sea?





=Viking Ships= A longship is a long, narrow open boat with no deck. Viking longships were about 18 metres long and had large woollen sails, striped red or blue and white and oars for rowing when the wind dropped. There was often a dragon’s head carved on the prow to create a fearsome spectacle and scare enemies. Two other important features of longships were the huge, bat-like rudder that hung over the side and the shallow hull. These features enabled the Vikings to sail safely in oceans and in shallow waters. The combination of their efficient design and the large number of rowers meant that the longships were able to travel at great speeds. Warriors hung their shields over the side, had a small chest for personal effects, and a sleeping bag made of sheepskin or leather. The Vikings navigated using the starts, the sun, wind and currents. A knorr was a sturdier than a long ship because it had to carry animals, supplies and cargo. A knorr had a decking covering about half of its length to keep the cargo dry. The Knorr had a said, but only a few oars. This is because as much room as possible was needed for cargo, and a large rowing crew took up valuable space. It was steered by a wooden rudder. We have learnt a lot about the Vikings from Buried Viking ships discovered by Archaeologists. The two most famous of these are the Gokstad ship and the Oseberg ship. As the Vikings lived in very damp, muddy terrain, not much evidence of their lives has survived, so these ships provide wonderful information about Viking civilisation. Both ships were found extremely well preserved in Norway and had been burred around 850 A.D. The Gokstad ship is a perfectly intact longship, measuring 23 metres in length and 5 metres wide. The Oseberg ship was also found in perfect condition few kilometres away.

**Questions**
What areas did the Vikings attack and when? What does the old Norse word ‘vik’ mean? Where did the Vikings come from? Looking at the maps what countries did the Vikings visit on their travels? What where Vikings known as? What is a long ship? What is a knorr? What is a Godstad? What are some important features of a Viking ship?