The Vikings were Norse seafarers from modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, active from the late 8th to early 11th centuries, known for their raids, explorations, and settlements across Europe and the North Atlantic.
Society and Culture
Social Structure: Composed of nobles (jarls), freemen and warriors (karls), and slaves (thralls).
Religion: Followed Norse paganism before converting to Christianity, worshipping deities like Odin and Thor.
Runes and Language: Utilized runes for writing; Old Norse has influenced many languages in their settled regions.
Explorations and Settlements
Iceland: Settled around 870 AD, becoming a hub for culture and literature.
Greenland and North America: Established settlements in Greenland and briefly in North America (Vinland).
British Isles and Ireland: Conducted extensive raids and established settlements, significantly influencing these regions.
France: Founded Normandy, blending Norse culture with local practices.
Spain: Conducted raids on the Iberian Peninsula, impacting coastal regions.
Italy: Engaged in trade and served as mercenaries, notably in the Varangian Guard.
Russia: Influenced the early development of Russian states and established trade routes.
Impact and Legacy
Technology: Advanced shipbuilding enabled extensive navigation.
Trade: Developed broad trade networks, enhancing economic and cultural exchanges.
Cultural Exchange: Their activities led to significant cultural integration across contacted regions.
Legal Systems: Introduced, early democratic assemblies, influencing governance practices.
The Viking Age concluded with the Christianization of Scandinavian countries and significant events like the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, marking their transition into the European Christian fold and ending their era of expansion.
