Vikings The Vikings Homelands Norway Sweden Denmark Ruled

The Vikings § Homelands: Norway, Sweden & Denmark § Ruled by Kings & Earls

§ Skilled in sailing and trading. . Used a sun compass to navigate. Not

§ To go “a-viking” means to go on a raid for riches. § Used

Effects § Founded the city of Dublin (Ireland) in 795 as a trading port.

§ Viking raids isolated communities and weakened monarchs. § Trade declined. Economies collapsed. §

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Vikings!

The Vikings § Homelands: Norway, Sweden & Denmark § Ruled by Kings & Earls § Vikings traditionally worshipped many gods including: Odin & Thor (polytheistic). § To die in battle meant acceptance into Valhalla. § Most converted to Christianity by 1066 CE.

§ Skilled in sailing and trading. . Used a sun compass to navigate. Not just raiders. Also explorers and settlers. § Traveled in Longships (deckles) – about 150 miles/day over seas or up shallow rivers, propelled by long oars. § Could cross the Atlantic – in a Knarr 54’ long, 20 -30 men, 75 miles per day

§ To go “a-viking” means to go on a raid for riches. § Used surprise attacks & speedy retreats; using a shield wall tactic for defense and axes, lances or long swords to attack villages, monasteries, or towns. Berserkers: Monastery at Lindisfarne, England

Effects § Founded the city of Dublin (Ireland) in 795 as a trading port. § Founded the city of Kiev (Russia) where they established trade with the Byzantine Empire & descendants married into the Byzantine royal family.

§ Viking raids isolated communities and weakened monarchs. § Trade declined. Economies collapsed. § Nobles and local officials took over local defense. New political and social system brought stability to western Europe (feudalism).

Vikings!