Mar 10, 20234 min read

The Shocking Truth About the Viking Age: From Bloody Brutal Raids to Lasting Legacies!

The Viking Age lasted from 793 to 1066 and was a significant period in European history. It was a time of great exploration, raiding, and trading that saw the Vikings expand their influence across much of Europe, Asia, and North America. This blog will delve into the historical context of the Viking Age, its beginning and end, and the major events that happened during this period.

Historical Context of the Viking Age:

To understand the Viking Age, we need to look at the historical context in which it occurred. During the 8th century, Europe was in a state of flux. The Carolingian Empire, founded by Charlemagne, was in decline, and new kingdoms were emerging in its place. This power vacuum allowed the Vikings to expand their influence across Europe.

The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia, comprising modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They were skilled sailors, navigators, and warriors. Their ships were among the most advanced of the time, allowing them to travel great distances and undertake daring raids.

Beginning of the Viking Age:

The Viking Age began in 793 with the raid on Lindisfarne, a monastery on the northeast coast of England. This was the first recorded Viking raid on England, and it marked the beginning of a period of widespread Viking activity across Europe.

Over the next few years, the Vikings continued to raid England, targeting monasteries and coastal towns. They also raided other parts of Europe, including France, Spain, and Italy. These raids were often brutal, with the Vikings showing little mercy to their victims.

Expansion of the Vikings:

The Vikings were not content with raiding; they also established European settlements. In 845, the Vikings established a settlement at Dublin, becoming a major center of Viking power in Ireland. Other Viking settlements were established in England, including Jorvik (modern-day York) and East Anglia.

The Vikings also expanded into Russia, establishing the state of Kievan Rus. This state would play an important role in the history of Russia, and it would become a major center of trade and commerce.

Major Events During the Viking Age:

The Viking Age was marked by several significant events that had a lasting impact on European history.

The Battle of Maldon (991): This battle took place in England and saw the English army defeated by the Vikings. This defeat was a major blow to the English and marked the beginning of a period of Viking dominance in England.
The Conversion of Iceland to Christianity (1000): Iceland, where the Vikings had settled, was one of the last places in Europe to convert to Christianity. The conversion was a significant event that marked the end of the Viking Age in Iceland.
The Norman Conquest of England (1066): The Norman Conquest of England was a significant event that marked the end of the Viking Age. The Normans, descendants of Viking settlers in Normandy, invaded England and defeated the English army at the Battle of Hastings. This event would have a lasting impact on English history.

End of the Viking Age:

The Viking Age came to an end in 1066 with the Norman Conquest of England. This event marked the end of a period of great Viking activity across Europe. The Vikings established settlements, traded, raided, and explored much of Europe, Asia, and North America during this period.

Conclusion:

The Viking Age was a significant period in European history. It was marked by the expansion of Viking influence across much of Europe, their raids on coastal towns and monasteries, the establishment of Viking settlements, and the exploration of new lands. The Viking Age came to an end with the Norman Conquest of England, which saw the end of Viking dominance in England and marked the end of the Viking Age.

Despite their reputation as brutal raiders, the Vikings had a significant impact on European history. They were skilled navigators and shipbuilders, and their ships allowed them to explore new lands and establish trade routes. They also established settlements and played a significant role in the history of several European nations.

One of the lasting legacies of the Viking Age is the impact of the Vikings on language and literature. Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings, had a significant impact on the development of several modern-day languages, including English. Many English words have their roots in Old Norse, and several English idioms and phrases can be traced back to the Viking Age.

The Viking Age also had a significant impact on the development of Norse mythology. The Vikings believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Their mythology has inspired countless works of literature and art and remains an important part of Scandinavian culture.

In conclusion, the Viking Age was a significant period in European history that saw the expansion of Viking influence across much of Europe, the establishment of Viking settlements, and exploring new lands. While their reputation as brutal raiders is well-known, the Vikings significantly impacted European history, culture, and language. The Viking Age may have come to an end with the Norman Conquest of England, but its impact can still be felt today.