Summary of the Viking Age

Origin and Definition

• Vikings originated from Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark, Sweden).

• The term 'Viking' refers to a profession (raiding), not an ethnicity; non-raiders were not considered Vikings.

Viking Age

• Began with the 793 AD attack on Lindisfarne monastery.

• Vikings attacked vulnerable communities in Europe, gaining a reputation for violence.

• By the late 9th century, much of England was under Viking control (Danelaw).

• Attacks were typically swift, targeting coastal areas to maximize looting.

Causes of Raiding

• Various theories on motivations for Viking expansion:
    1. Population growth in Scandinavia.
    2. Climate change and poor crops leading to starvation.
    3. Awareness of wealthy, undefended targets through trade.

Trade and Settlement

• Not all Vikings were raiders; trading networks reached the Byzantine Empire and Abbasid Caliphate.

• Notable settlements include Kievan Rus (founded by Rurik in AD 862) and Dublin (established in AD 841).

Longships

• Vikings developed the clinker-built longship, shallow enough for beach landings and swift river navigation.

• Enabled raiding and settling in distant territories, including North America (Leif Erikson around AD 1000).

End of the Viking Age

• Marked by the death of King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 and the Norman invasion of England.

• Vikings assimilated into local cultures, adopting Christianity and losing distinct identity but influencing European culture significantly.