Who were The Vikings?

What does “Viking” mean?

What does “Viking” mean?

• “Viking” appears on rune stones in Old Norse• Used to describe an activity – going on a

commercial trip or raid.• You would go on a “viking”

• The Vikings called themselves “Norraener menn” (Norse men)

How do we know about The Vikings?

• Viking era 793 CE-1066 CE• About 300 years• Very few Viking era documents exist• So we rely on:• The accounts of the Vikings’ victims• Archaeological evidence• Later writers• Sagas

• What are the problems with these sources?

Who were the Vikings?

• Farmers first and foremost• Craftsmen• Raiders• Religious people• Traders• Timber • furs• walrus ivory• amber• slaves

Where did Vikings live?

• Most Vikings lived in family groups on farms• How suitable was the land for farming?• Climate – seasons – very cold, long winter• Geography – see map• Soils

• Why did most Vikings live in the south?