Where did the people originate?
The Vikings were a people who lived between the 8th and 11th centuries. They occupied the areas of Northern Europe called Scandinavia. This area includes the modern day countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.
How did the Vikings live?
The Vikings had superior seafaring skills and material, allowing them to travel freely to trade and raid without confrontation from other nations. When the Roman Empire fell it ruined established trade routes so the Vikings had to find and develop new routes they could take.
Although the Vikings were most known for their sea travel, most of them lived on farms. They used iron tools such as sickles and hoes to grow oats, barley and wheat to make things such as flour, porridge and ale. Vegetables such as onions, beans and cabbage were grown as well. Domesticated animals were pigs, sheep, goats, cattle, geese and chicken. To survive the long Scandinavian winters, farmers often had to make most of their animals, so they used them for their meat, produce, fur and manure, which was used to fertilise the crops.
Houses
Viking houses were built of wood, stones or blocks of turf depending on the resources available. They were long boxes with sloping thatched roofs as evident in the picture to the side. Sometimes the floor was dug out to protect the inhabitants of drafts. Walls were made of woven sticks covered in mud to keep out wind and rain. If the family was particularly wealthy there would be more than one room in the house.
Viking houses were built of wood, stones or blocks of turf depending on the resources available. They were long boxes with sloping thatched roofs as evident in the picture to the side. Sometimes the floor was dug out to protect the inhabitants of drafts. Walls were made of woven sticks covered in mud to keep out wind and rain. If the family was particularly wealthy there would be more than one room in the house.
Clothing
Clothing in the Viking age was similar to the clothes people wore in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in that time. Men wore tunics with trousers and women wore long dresses. Clothing was made of wool, linen and animal skins and because of the climate people dressed for warmth.
Clothing in the Viking age was similar to the clothes people wore in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in that time. Men wore tunics with trousers and women wore long dresses. Clothing was made of wool, linen and animal skins and because of the climate people dressed for warmth.
Diet
Archaeologists have found remnants of bones, seeds and other food remains which gave them a clue as to what the Vikings diet was. They ate meat from farm animals and hunted animals. Meat was cooked in a large stew pot over a fire or on an iron spit. Depending on what their environment offered, they also collected berries and nuts. Bread was made of rye or barley flour and fish was smoked for preservation. Milk from cows or goats was used to make cheese and butter, the Vikings would drink what was left over. At feasts, guests would drink ale and mead, an alcoholic drink made of honey and water. Vikings drank out of wooden cups or drinking horns. Feasts were used to mark funerals and seasonal festivities such as midwinter which could last up to a week.
Archaeologists have found remnants of bones, seeds and other food remains which gave them a clue as to what the Vikings diet was. They ate meat from farm animals and hunted animals. Meat was cooked in a large stew pot over a fire or on an iron spit. Depending on what their environment offered, they also collected berries and nuts. Bread was made of rye or barley flour and fish was smoked for preservation. Milk from cows or goats was used to make cheese and butter, the Vikings would drink what was left over. At feasts, guests would drink ale and mead, an alcoholic drink made of honey and water. Vikings drank out of wooden cups or drinking horns. Feasts were used to mark funerals and seasonal festivities such as midwinter which could last up to a week.
Religion
Vikings worshipped many gods and goddesses, each representing a different aspect of their life. Viking religion varied from area to area because there were no places of central worship and none of their beliefs were written down officially. Scandinavians eventually converted to Christianity, and thus stopping to attack monasteries and other areas of wealth.
Vikings worshipped many gods and goddesses, each representing a different aspect of their life. Viking religion varied from area to area because there were no places of central worship and none of their beliefs were written down officially. Scandinavians eventually converted to Christianity, and thus stopping to attack monasteries and other areas of wealth.
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Sports
Sports that involved weapon training and developing combat skills were encouraged. They included spear and stone throwing, mountain climbing, building and testing physical strength through wrestling, fist fighting and stone lighting. Agility and balance were built through running and jumping. A peculiar sport is mentioned that involved jumping from oar to oar on the outside of a ship's railing as it was being rowed. Swimming was very important and included diving, long distance swimming and contest in which people tried to duck each other. Skiing and ice skating were the primary winter sports, although skiing was used as a means of transportation. Horse-fighint was also practices, with often ended in the death of one of the two stallions. Icelandic sources refer to knatteleik, a ball game similar to hockey. Hunting was considered a sport only in Denmark; whereas in the other regions it was considered an occupation. The techniques included stalking, snare, straps and hunting with dog packs to catch deer, birds, hares and foxes. At first, bows and spears were used, yet later crossbows came into view.
Sports that involved weapon training and developing combat skills were encouraged. They included spear and stone throwing, mountain climbing, building and testing physical strength through wrestling, fist fighting and stone lighting. Agility and balance were built through running and jumping. A peculiar sport is mentioned that involved jumping from oar to oar on the outside of a ship's railing as it was being rowed. Swimming was very important and included diving, long distance swimming and contest in which people tried to duck each other. Skiing and ice skating were the primary winter sports, although skiing was used as a means of transportation. Horse-fighint was also practices, with often ended in the death of one of the two stallions. Icelandic sources refer to knatteleik, a ball game similar to hockey. Hunting was considered a sport only in Denmark; whereas in the other regions it was considered an occupation. The techniques included stalking, snare, straps and hunting with dog packs to catch deer, birds, hares and foxes. At first, bows and spears were used, yet later crossbows came into view.
Games and Entertainment
Board games and dice games were a popular pastimes. Game boards were made of wood, while its pieces were manufactured from stone, wood or bone. Others find elaborately carved boards and game pieces of glass, amber, antler or walrus tusk, together with materials of foreign origin. Board games included hnefatafl, nitavl and kvatrutafl. At the end of the Viking Age, chess also appeared.
Musical instruments such as flutes and panpipes indicate that the Norse were keen musicians. They played harps, fiddles, lyres and lutes. Feasts were often held to celebrate trading, successful raids and marriages. At banquets, the Vikings would eat meat, including pork, beef, lamb and goat, as well as break consisting of seeds which gave it some flavour. The Norse people drank wine, beer and mead, a strong alcoholic drink made from honey.
Craft was an important part of Norse society. Women made woollen cloth which was used for clothing or masts for the ships, whilst men repaired their weapons or farming tools. Craft workers also made jewellery and carved ornate figures and patterns.
Board games and dice games were a popular pastimes. Game boards were made of wood, while its pieces were manufactured from stone, wood or bone. Others find elaborately carved boards and game pieces of glass, amber, antler or walrus tusk, together with materials of foreign origin. Board games included hnefatafl, nitavl and kvatrutafl. At the end of the Viking Age, chess also appeared.
Musical instruments such as flutes and panpipes indicate that the Norse were keen musicians. They played harps, fiddles, lyres and lutes. Feasts were often held to celebrate trading, successful raids and marriages. At banquets, the Vikings would eat meat, including pork, beef, lamb and goat, as well as break consisting of seeds which gave it some flavour. The Norse people drank wine, beer and mead, a strong alcoholic drink made from honey.
Craft was an important part of Norse society. Women made woollen cloth which was used for clothing or masts for the ships, whilst men repaired their weapons or farming tools. Craft workers also made jewellery and carved ornate figures and patterns.
Children
All children were taught at home by their parents, receiving a very basic education. Once they were old enough, they began to do daily chores around the house. Boys would help on the farm or learn a craft - woodwork or metalwork. Girls learned to cook, spin wool, sew, weave and make clothing. All kids were encouraged to fight, not just for fun but with real weapons such as swords, axes and spears.
All children were taught at home by their parents, receiving a very basic education. Once they were old enough, they began to do daily chores around the house. Boys would help on the farm or learn a craft - woodwork or metalwork. Girls learned to cook, spin wool, sew, weave and make clothing. All kids were encouraged to fight, not just for fun but with real weapons such as swords, axes and spears.
Viking Women and Girls
Wifes had to run the house well to ensure that the family had enough to endure the cold, long winters. The women had to cook all the meals and be able to make medicines out of plants to care for family members. While the husband was out of the house on raiding, fishing or trading trips the women had to run the farm. If it was a wealthy family there were often slaves to help the wife. The wife was also in charge during religious rituals within the household. Although it seems as though the women had some power in the Viking life, this ended as soon as they left the house. Outside work belonged to the men of the house. Viking girls often married towards the ages of 12-15. Marriages were arranged by the leading figure in the household, often the father. The girls had no choice when getting married. in terms of divorce, Viking women often had more rights than any other women in Europe at the time. If their was good reason to the divorce the wife would obtain some personal belongings, if there was no good reason the wife obtained nothing.
Wifes had to run the house well to ensure that the family had enough to endure the cold, long winters. The women had to cook all the meals and be able to make medicines out of plants to care for family members. While the husband was out of the house on raiding, fishing or trading trips the women had to run the farm. If it was a wealthy family there were often slaves to help the wife. The wife was also in charge during religious rituals within the household. Although it seems as though the women had some power in the Viking life, this ended as soon as they left the house. Outside work belonged to the men of the house. Viking girls often married towards the ages of 12-15. Marriages were arranged by the leading figure in the household, often the father. The girls had no choice when getting married. in terms of divorce, Viking women often had more rights than any other women in Europe at the time. If their was good reason to the divorce the wife would obtain some personal belongings, if there was no good reason the wife obtained nothing.
Sea Life
There was no shelter on the boats, so at night they might pull up on the lands and use the sail to make a coverage, much like a tent. At times, they would put wool tents on the shore. If they were too far out on sea , they slept on the desk under blankets or two-man sleeping bags made of animal fur and skins.
As foods could only be cooked on land, dried and salted meat and fish were typical. All food was served called, as they did not want to risk setting their ship on fire. Drinks included water, beer and sour milk.
The hardships of life on board led the Vikings to only voyage during the spring and summer.
There was no shelter on the boats, so at night they might pull up on the lands and use the sail to make a coverage, much like a tent. At times, they would put wool tents on the shore. If they were too far out on sea , they slept on the desk under blankets or two-man sleeping bags made of animal fur and skins.
As foods could only be cooked on land, dried and salted meat and fish were typical. All food was served called, as they did not want to risk setting their ship on fire. Drinks included water, beer and sour milk.
The hardships of life on board led the Vikings to only voyage during the spring and summer.
What hardships or difficulties did the vikings encounter in their homeland? Why did the Vikings have ambitions to expand or leave their homeland?
Climate
The Viking climate was very harsh. It had long, cold winters, dropping to below -30 degrees, and mild, short summers. Crops would not survive through the winters and food supplies became limited. To overcome this, Vikings spent a lot of time preserving food for the winters in some circumstances they would even leave to find places more suitable for living.
Terrain
Many Vikings struggled with the terrain of Scandinavia, which was densely covered with forests, hills and mountains. The little farmland there was, was mostly infertile due to the climate. This forced the Vikings to explore and conquer new lands that could provide them with farmland and the resources they needed.
Unified Empire
Many Empires throughout ancient times grew to be unified with a central government or leading figure. The VIkings did have leading figures. However, as rules were not written down, rather transmitted orally through generations, these leaders had no guidlines to follow by. Each Viking would have interpreted rules differently causing them to all have different views.
The Viking climate was very harsh. It had long, cold winters, dropping to below -30 degrees, and mild, short summers. Crops would not survive through the winters and food supplies became limited. To overcome this, Vikings spent a lot of time preserving food for the winters in some circumstances they would even leave to find places more suitable for living.
Terrain
Many Vikings struggled with the terrain of Scandinavia, which was densely covered with forests, hills and mountains. The little farmland there was, was mostly infertile due to the climate. This forced the Vikings to explore and conquer new lands that could provide them with farmland and the resources they needed.
Unified Empire
Many Empires throughout ancient times grew to be unified with a central government or leading figure. The VIkings did have leading figures. However, as rules were not written down, rather transmitted orally through generations, these leaders had no guidlines to follow by. Each Viking would have interpreted rules differently causing them to all have different views.
Population Pressure
As technology advanced for the Vikings, the population grew and life expectancy grew with it. there was simply not enough room for the Vikings to live peacefully with one another so they went to other areas to expand and start new communities.
Tradition
For the Vikings, raiding initially started out as a job. However, as more people started to join, it became popular throughout the generations and young men were soon expected to raid as a way of proving themselves to be brave and manly.
Greed
The Vikings wanted many things. They wanted livestock, coins, treasures, artwork and raw materials. They soon found that all this could be acquired through trade and raiding, which cost them less of their own resources.
As technology advanced for the Vikings, the population grew and life expectancy grew with it. there was simply not enough room for the Vikings to live peacefully with one another so they went to other areas to expand and start new communities.
Tradition
For the Vikings, raiding initially started out as a job. However, as more people started to join, it became popular throughout the generations and young men were soon expected to raid as a way of proving themselves to be brave and manly.
Greed
The Vikings wanted many things. They wanted livestock, coins, treasures, artwork and raw materials. They soon found that all this could be acquired through trade and raiding, which cost them less of their own resources.
Bibliography:
- Grabianowski, Ed. "HowStuffWorks "Why Did the Vikings Pillage?"."HowStuffWorks. N.p., 14 Apr. 2008. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. <http://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/viking4.htm>.
- Kerven, RIchard, and David Wyatt. "Life For Viking Kids." GrimGruesome. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. <http://www.grimgruesome.com/VikingChildren.pdf>.
- "Vikings: At Home." BBC News. BBC, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2014. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/vikings/vikings_at_home/>.
- "The Vikings." : Ships, Seafarers & Life at Sea : Sea & Ships Fact Files : Sea & Ships : Explore Online : RMG. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.rmg.co.uk/explore/sea-and-ships/facts/ships-and-seafarers/the-vikings>.
- "Daily Life of Norse People." , The Viking Life, Early Modern Societies. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. <http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-14_u-175_t-474_c-1724/nsw/history/medieval-and-early-modern-societies-vikings/the-viking-life/daily-life-of-norse-people>.
Made By: Eleanor Keeler
-Fé van den Broek
-Fé van den Broek