Land of the Vikings
During the 900s, the Vikings attacked the Anglo-Saxons in England. The tall,
fair-skinned Vikings came from Scandinavia. They were brutal fighters and robbers.
They spread fear and destruction as they captured parts of France and Britain.
They opened new trade routes, ruled cities in Russia, set up colonies in the North
Atlantic, and explored North America. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are Viking founded
kingdoms.
The Land
The Viking homeland was Scandinavia.
It was a land of forests and long, rugged coastlines.
Jutland had natural harbors, and it was suitable for farming.
The rest of Scandinavia was rocky and had a short growing season.
People turned to the sea to make a living.
Ships
Viking ships were large and well suited for long voyages.
They were shallow enough to navigate rivers.
16 oars were on each side.
Shields were placed on the sides of the ships.
The bows were carved in the shape of a dragon's head.
Sails were square and red and yellow in color.
An awning in the front protected sailors from bad weather.
Ship Life
They slept in leather sleeping bags.
They cooked in bronze pots.
Vikings plotted their course by the position of stars.
Trade
They fished and traded in the North Atlantic.
Most of their traveling was in the spring after fields were planted.
In the winter they repaired boats and weapons.
Viking traders carried fish, furs, hides, and slaves to western Europe and the
Mediterranean.
They brought back silk, wine, wheat, and silver.
Towns
Trade led to the growth of market towns.
Two main streets ran along the edge of the water.
Buyers and sellers set up booths.
Towns were protected by mounds of earth surrounded by wooden walls with towers.
Villages
Most Vikings lived in villages.
Houses were made of logs or boards.
Slanted roofs were made of wood covered by sod.
Carved dragons decorated the roofs.
The houses had a small porch help up by carved pillars.
Jarls
There was no central government.
Military chiefs, jarls, ruled the people.
Some jarls were elected, and others inherited their job.
Some jarls conquered neighboring lands.
they were then kings.
Bibliography
Greenblatt, Miriam, and Lemmo, Peter. Human Heritage A World History. Columbus,
Ohio: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
"Viking Settlers in Britain." History Essentials. 28 Nov. 2007. http://www.channel4learning.net/apps26/learning/microsites/E/essentials/history/units/interface?type=image¶meter=Viking+settlers+in+Britain.