Human Heritage: A World History

Chapter 20: The Vikings

The Vikings

During the 900s, Charlemagne's empire and Anglo-Saxon England were attacked by new invaders known as Norsemen, or Vikings. They came from the far northern part of Europe that is now called Scandinavia. Chapter 20 centers on the Vikings.

Section 1 describes Scandinavia, the homeland of the Vikings. Because of their location on the sea, the Vikings turned to shipbuilding, fishing, and trade. Trade led to the growth of towns and villages throughout Scandinavia, governed by military rulers called jarls.

Section 2 explores what daily life was like for the Vikings and explains the importance of the Norse gods before and after the coming of Christianity. A chart lists the names and realms of many Norse gods.

Section 3 focuses on how Viking warriors and adventurers raided and traded in other lands from eastern Europe to North America. The section also deals with the role the Danish Vikings played in the histories of England and France.