Vikings Historian's View
Discover more about the history and legends that inspired VIKINGS.
Bet You Didn't Know: Vikings There's a lot more to these seafaring warriors than their famous longships.
Vikings History
From around A.D. 800 to the 11th century, a vast number of Scandinavians left their homelands to seek their fortunes elsewhere. These seafaring warriors–known collectively as Vikings or Norsemen (“Northmen”)–began by raiding coastal sites, especially undefended monasteries, in the British Isles. Over the next three centuries, they would leave their mark as pirates, raiders, traders and settlers on much of Britain and the European continent, as well as parts of modern-day Russia, Iceland, Greenland and Newfoundland. Read More
Globetrotting Vikings
Crusading to Jerusalem
Ushered in with raids on Christian monasteries, the Viking Age came to an unlikely close centuries later. Read More
The Raiding of Ireland
Ireland has always been an enigmatic land, and it was no different for the Vikings who attempted to conquer it. Read More
To the Gates of Paris
There was nothing romantic about the Vikings’ visits to Paris in the 9th century, but their journeys transformed an island market town into the capital of France. Read More
The Quest for Constantinople
The Vikings coveted Constantinople but could never breach its walls. Only by becoming the personal bodyguards of the Byzantine emperor did the Nordic warriors grab a piece of its wealth. Read MoreViking Discoveries
Viking Boat Burial Reveals its Secrets
Archaeologists have provided a glimpse into some of the mysteries a rare Viking burial reveals. Read More
Navigational Tool Found
A discovery from the wreckage of a 16th-century ship may finally prove that legendary “sunstones” really existed. Read More
Viking-Era Ring Unearthed
A court announced its ruling that the discovery of a metal bracelet was in fact a rare artifact--a Viking arm ring from the 10th century. Read More
Hiker Discovers 1,200-Year-Old Viking Sword
Viking sword blade dating back more than 1,200 years was found in Norway. Read More
Chief Buried in Boat Found
The first intact Viking boat burial site to be found on the British mainland was discovered recently in Scotland. Read MoreThe name Viking came from the Scandinavians themselves, from the Old Norse word "vik" (bay or creek) which formed the root of "vikingr" (pirate).
Viking Myths, Legends and Truths
Horned Helmets
Yes, the Vikings probably sported headgear when they marched into battle, but there’s no reason to believe it was festooned with horns. Read More
Minnesota Vikings
Scandinavian roots run deep in Minnesota, and so does the belief that the first Vikings in the state were not from the NFL. Read More
Did Vikings Use Crystals to Navigate?
New research suggests that these mythic “sunstones” may be more than the stuff of legend. Read More
Did Warriors Bare Groovy Teeth?
Viking warriors raiding their way through Britain may have filed patterns into their teeth to intimidate their enemies. Read MoreHow did religion factor into the lives and routines of the real Vikings? Historians and scholars assess the Vikings' gods and their impact.
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The Lewis Chessmen Mystery
Like magical creatures from Norse mythology, the Lewis Chessmen seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Read More
6 Viking Leaders You Should Know
The Viking Age, from the late-eigth century to the 11th century, produced pioneering explorers such as Erik the Red, Cnut and Rollo. Read More
6 Things We Owe to the Vikings
Explore just a few of the things we owe to these ancient Norsemen, from the words we speak to the combs we use in our hair. Read More
Infographic
Explore the world of Odin, Thor and Loki. Find out about the gods and mythology of Viking culture. Read MoreRead More
The Viking Explorer Who Beat Columbus to America
Nearly 500 years before the birth of Christopher Columbus, a band of European sailors left their homeland behind in search of a new world. Read More
10 Things You May Not Know About the Vikings
Vikings used a unique liquid to start fires and were known for their excellent hygiene. Read More