Viking
The term Viking refers to the Norse seafarers, explorers, traders, and warriors from what is now Scandinavia (modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) who raided, traded, explored, and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic from the late 8th to the mid-11th centuries.
History
- Raids: The Viking Age is traditionally marked by the attack on the Lindisfarne monastery in England in 793 AD, which signaled the beginning of Viking raids on Christian sites.
- Expansion: Vikings not only raided but also traded, settled, and established trade routes and colonies, including in places like Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (parts of North America).
- Culture: Their society was structured around kinship and loyalty to chieftains. The Viking Age saw significant developments in shipbuilding, navigation, and warfare.
Exploration and Settlement
- Iceland: Settled by Vikings in the late 9th century, becoming a major center for Norse Saga literature.
- Greenland: Erik the Red, a famous Viking, established the first settlements in Greenland around 980 AD.
- Vinland: Leif Erikson, Erik's son, is credited with being the first European to set foot in North America, at what is now known as Newfoundland.
Viking Ships
Viking ships were an integral part of their culture, allowing them to navigate the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic:
- Longships: Designed for speed and flexibility, used for warfare, trade, and exploration.
- Knarr: A broader ship used for cargo transport.
- Construction: Ships were clinker-built, with overlapping wooden planks, making them robust yet light.
Legacy
Vikings left a lasting impact on European history:
- Language: Many English words, especially related to warfare and law, are of Old Norse origin.
- Place Names: The Norse influence can be seen in place names across the British Isles, Ireland, and beyond.
- Culture: Their myths, legends, and art have influenced modern culture significantly.
Sources
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