How far did they expand their influence?
During the period between, 793-1066, the Vikings spread their influence and way of life across the world. They conquered countries in Europe including France, Britain and Germany. Frisia and Aquitiane in modern day France were the first two territories attacked by these warriors. In 834 AD England was invaded and a couple years later Germany. Furthermore in the East of the globe, the Scandinavian army continued to expand in present day Russia and Turkey around the 11th century. Because the warriors were great sailors, they managed to increase their territory all the way to North Africa. Whilst traveling on the Atlantic Ocean, the Vikings raided North America; they established New-found Land and Labrador in 1000 A.D. In the North of the world, the warriors assaulted Iceland in 874 and Greenland in 981 A.D. The Vikings raided countries and established areas across the world in order to expand their influence.
HOW DID VIKINGS TREAT THEIR CONQUERED COuNTRY'S NATIVES?
Positive
Although natives were slaves, they had the right to: -Marry -Own property -Become craftsmen -be treated as if part of the Viking family |
Negative
Because the Vikings were hungry for wealth and power, they: -Stole -Burnt homes -Took natives as slaves and trafficked them |
Did they settle in the places they invaded?
Some Vikings settled down in conquered countries such as France, Spain and Germany. In addition, the members of the army abided in their new founded areas which includes Dublin and Normandy. Britain was mostly populated with Vikings because the soil was fertile thus good to farm. Their main reason for staying in an invaded province was because of family or wanting to start one. Occasionally Vikings remained in their newly conquered country because they became that land's ruler. North of Scotland is an example of this preposition. However most Viking warriors followed the tradition of living on a boat and invading provinces.
What kind of warriors were they?
There are many types or classes of warriors. Their weaponry related to their social status; the wealthier, the more amor. However all soldiers obtained a bow and arrow constructed of wood and iron.
All soliders wore the same tight-fitting clothes. They wore iron or other metal helmets which covered most of their head and face. The warriors had tunics along with a thick leather coat. Tunics were a useful piece of clothing during war because it allowed the warriors to move freely yet still be warm.
All soliders wore the same tight-fitting clothes. They wore iron or other metal helmets which covered most of their head and face. The warriors had tunics along with a thick leather coat. Tunics were a useful piece of clothing during war because it allowed the warriors to move freely yet still be warm.
Freemen
The 'Freemen' were the most common warriors in the Viking army. These people were landowners and joined with the hope of greater wealth. Freemen could not afford high quality amor; they had two axes, one in each hand,and a homemade shield.
The 'Freemen' were the most common warriors in the Viking army. These people were landowners and joined with the hope of greater wealth. Freemen could not afford high quality amor; they had two axes, one in each hand,and a homemade shield.
Lords
The 'Lords'' were the wealthy,powerful men and the leaders of the army. They could afford the best weapons which consists of swords, metal spears and chain-mail.
The 'Lords'' were the wealthy,powerful men and the leaders of the army. They could afford the best weapons which consists of swords, metal spears and chain-mail.
Berserkers
The 'Berserkers' were violent and dangerous men. They were commonly referred as "the wolf". It was believed that these men were triggered by psychological drama or drug such as alcohol or hallucinogenic mushrooms which caused them to go out of control. Once the drug or drama kicked in, the warriors would go on a raid and fight in an incredible short amount of time and strength. Thus these men were a positive point for the Viking army. However they could potentially be dangerous to their own troop; men could be killing the wrong army. Unlike the rest of the army, Berserkers were dressed in wolf or bear skin in order to utilise the fear people had about wild animals.
The 'Berserkers' were violent and dangerous men. They were commonly referred as "the wolf". It was believed that these men were triggered by psychological drama or drug such as alcohol or hallucinogenic mushrooms which caused them to go out of control. Once the drug or drama kicked in, the warriors would go on a raid and fight in an incredible short amount of time and strength. Thus these men were a positive point for the Viking army. However they could potentially be dangerous to their own troop; men could be killing the wrong army. Unlike the rest of the army, Berserkers were dressed in wolf or bear skin in order to utilise the fear people had about wild animals.
Army and tactics
- Vikings had no professional army or tactics
- They did not have any formal training as an army together; each soldier was expected to train alone.
- However most weapon training occured at a young age in sports or hunting
- In preporation for battle, warriors stood close together in a line, with their shields overlapping each other. This was known as the "shield wall."The strategywas a Viking tradition as they believed that the wall would protect them to a greater degree.
- Whilst their army was on their feet and standing close, the leader of the Viking army who was on horseback, was surrounded by bodyguards.
- In the beginning of a battle, the Viking leader would throw his spear across the enemy border. This weapon was thrown to dedicate the battle and themselves to Odin, the god of war. Once the spear was throw, the rest of the army threw their weapons. This marked the start of a war.
- In order to officially procliam the winner, one of the leaders of either armies would have to be killed or kidnapped. To do so, 20-30 Viking warriors, formed in a wedge with their spears pointing towards the opposing people, would charge hoping to break through the other army. This process was known as the svinfylking or "boar formation."
Bibliography
- "A timeline of the Vikings and Scandinavia." A timeline of the Vikings and Scandinavia. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.scaruffi.com/politics/vikings.html>.
- Ager, Barry. "Viking Weapons and Warfare." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/weapons_01.shtml>.
- "BERSERKERS." BERSERKERS. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://warviking.tripod.com/berserkers.html>.
- "Viking Warriors, Weapons, Armor, and Warfare." Viking Answer Lady Webpage -. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/VALWarfare.shtml>.
- "Vikings, Magyars, Warlords and Feudalism." Vikings, Magyars, Warlords and Feudalism. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.fsmitha.com/h3/europe-vikings.htm>.
- "viking empire history in 43 seconds." YouTube. YouTube, 26 June 2010. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3Ohx8nApXo>.