The Vikings: Raiders, Traders, and Explorers!
Over 1,000 years ago, the Vikings came from Scandinavia (modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). They were fierce warriors, clever traders, and great shipbuilders. Vikings sailed across the seas to raid, trade, and settle in new lands, including Britain and Ireland!
Where Did the Vikings Come From? 
The Vikings came from the cold, northern lands of:
Norway – Home of the famous fjord landscapes. Sweden – Where many Vikings travelled east to trade. Denmark – Where many Viking raiders came from.
Fun Fact: The word “Viking” means “pirate raid” in Old Norse!
Viking Longships 
The Vikings were brilliant shipbuilders! Their ships were:
Fast and strong – Made from wood and shaped to move quickly.
Used for war and exploring – They could sail in rivers and across oceans!
Decorated with dragon heads – To scare enemies!
Did You Know? Viking ships could travel over 100 miles a day!
Viking Warriors
Vikings were fearsome fighters and often raided towns and villages.
Weapons – They used swords, axes, and spears.
Armor – They wore metal helmets (but NOT horned ones!).
Shield Wall – They stood side by side with shields to protect themselves.
Did You Know? The most famous Viking warrior was Ragnar Lothbrok!
What Did the Vikings Eat? 
The Vikings were farmers and hunters, so they ate:
Bread – Made from rye or barley.
Cheese and milk – From cows, goats, and sheep.
Fish – Like herring, salmon, and cod.
Fruits – Like apples and berries.
Fun Fact: Vikings drank mead, a special drink made from honey and water!
Viking Homes 
Vikings lived in longhouses – long, wooden homes with a thatched roof.
A fire in the middle kept the house warm.
Whole families lived together – even the animals!
They slept on wooden benches with animal skins for warmth.
Did You Know? Viking houses had no windows – just a hole in the roof for smoke to escape!
The Viking Gods and Myths 
The Vikings believed in powerful gods who ruled the world!
Odin – The chief god and ruler of Asgard.
Thor – The god of thunder, with a mighty hammer! Loki – A tricky shapeshifter who played pranks. Freya – The goddess of love and war.
Fun Fact: The names of our weekdays come from Viking gods!
Thor’s Day = Thursday | Odin’s Day = Wednesday
The Vikings in Britain 
In AD 793, the Vikings attacked Lindisfarne, a monastery in England. This was the start of the Viking Age in Britain!
They raided monasteries for gold and treasures.
They settled in places like York and Dublin.
They made peace with King Alfred the Great in Danelaw (a Viking-ruled area of England).
Did You Know? Many English words like “egg,” “sky,” and “window” come from the Viking language!
Viking Treasures 
Vikings buried treasure for safekeeping. Today, people still find Viking hoards!
The Cuerdale Hoard – A huge pile of silver found in England. The Galloway Hoard – Viking jewellery and relics from Scotland. The Sutton Hoo helmet – A famous Anglo-Saxon treasure with Viking influence.
Did You Know? Vikings did not use coins – they traded silver and gold!
The End of the Viking Age 
By 1066, the Viking Age was ending. The last great Viking king, Harald Hardrada, was defeated in the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Soon after, the Normans (from France) took over England!
But Viking history still lives on in:
Place names – Like York, Grimsby, and Skegness. Stories – Norse myths inspired books, movies, and games! Words – Many English words come from Old Norse!
Fun Fact: Some people in Scandinavia and Scotland can still trace their family history back to the Vikings!
Conclusion
The Vikings were brave explorers, skilled warriors, and clever traders. Their influence shaped Britain and the world, and we still remember them today!
