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The Vikings

The Vikings. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12. Who were the vikings ?. aka. “ Northmen ” people from Scandinavia particularly Norway, Sweden, Denmark vik = Norse word for “creek” people who wait in creeks/harbors to attack passing ships? pirates?

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The Vikings

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  1. The Vikings Western Civilization University High School 2011-12

  2. Who were the vikings? • aka. “Northmen” • people from Scandinavia • particularly Norway, Sweden, Denmark • vik = Norse word for “creek” • people who wait in creeks/harbors to attack passing ships? • pirates? • “viking” came to mean “overseas expedition” • 9th-10th centuries: series of raids on Europe

  3. The vikings • superior sailors, ships • 2 types of ships: • 1.longship • intended for war, exploration • fast & agile • oars + sails • long narrow hull (seaworthy vessels), but shallow (riverworthy vessels) • 2.knarr • merchant vessel for carrying cargo • bigger, slower, less agile than longships

  4. vikinglongship (a modern replica)

  5. vikingknarr (a modern replica)

  6. why did vikings Raid europe? • many possible answers: • seeking booty, riches, land • escape problems in Scandinavia (overpopulation, civil wars over succession) • new trade partners/commercial contacts?

  7. viking raids • burned, looted, took treasures, killed, took prisoners, seized land • early 10th century: Danish Vikings arrive at Paris with 100+ ships • Frankish king gives them land to buy them off • Viking province of “Northmanland” in northern France • today = Normandy!

  8. Did the vikings do anything good for europe?

  9. Did the vikings do anything good for europe? • unparalleled naval knowledge, shipbuilding  spread through Europe • Danelaw: name for northern, central parts of England • Danish law prevailed • origin of grand jury? • growth of a number of major cities, trading centers • e.g. York, Dublin, Limerick

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