The Age Of Vikings

The Vikings were feared greatly by Europe for over two hundred and fifty years. These Seafarers were brutal warriors who terrorized much of Europe, Russia, and even Canada. "The Age of Vikings," an article written by Arne Emil Christensen, sets out to describe how the Vikings were not only a terrorizing brutal force, but also, "Ð'...colonizers, city-builders, law-givers, architects, explorers, and merchants." They had unique lifestyles that incorporated their amazing ability to pillage and plunder, and set up kingdoms that still have roots in our modern world today.

By examining Viking burial grounds, archaeologists are able to discover the important things that were held in high esteem by the men and women of Viking society. All Males were buried with their own weapons. A Viking male was interred with a sword, ax, spear, and bows and arrows. He was usually buried with a wooden shield for protection. Not all Vikings were warriors. Those who were not were buried with the implements that they used in everyday life. Craftsmen and Blacksmiths were buried with their tools. Farmers could be found with their hoe, scythe, and sickle. Women were often seen buried with their personal jewelry as well as textiles and kitchen tools. There were other objects found at burial sites that help to prove that the Vikings in general were a very artistic society. Wagons were incredibly crafted, and in many instances, there were finely carved wooden animal heads that were probably religious icons. These woodcarvings prove that Vikings were handy with a chisel and a knife.

"Viking warships were fearsome works of art." These ships were built by Scandinavians, who used a unique technique to create light, flexible ships. There was no need to use harbors to dock the ships because they were very easy to maneuver in shallow water. With a full crew onboard, a Viking ship could float in just over three feet of water. This made it easy to beach the ship, attack, and then retreat quickly before a counter-attack could be mustered. These Viking raids could attack anywhere along Europe's coasts and rivers because the Vikings learned how to move their ships against the wind. Boats were not only used for battle. Cargo ships were wider and slower, but the busy trade routes from Western Norway to Iceland and Greenland, showed the need for, "Ð'...seaworthy ships."

The Vikings conquered many lands, but they were not just bloodthirsty warriors. Once a land was conquered, the Vikings established prosperous kingdoms and colonies. Such cities are Dublin,