The Norsemen

Viking_shipThe Vikings, like the Romans, were a fascinating, even paradoxical group. They were clever, brave and inventive people who travelled widely and influenced many societies, contributing some pronouns and many blunt descriptive words to the English language and making their presence felt in many lands, often through violence, looting and bloodshed. Learning about them is interesting for a number of reasons:

•Initially they were not Christians, so it is intriguing to consider how their society differed from others in early Middle Ages Europe, especially in their treatment of women.

•Their society was less rigid and hierarchical than many ancient societies before them and many medieval societies after them. Teasing out the reasons why seems worthwhile.

•Although many were farmers, they are not easy to categorise and pigeon-hole. Their warrior ethos and travelling adventures were also crucial to their identity. Their stories are full of wild violence, passion and bloodshed.

Read the links below and create your own concept map of the Viking social world, ensuring that you use your textbook as well as the information provided through each link. Use a double page of your workbook and write as you read.

Use these possible subheadings: Kings, Jarls, Karls, Thralls, Role of Women, Viking Stories

Consider referring to these concepts: possessions, power, status, prestige, rights, wealth, work, hierarchy, social structure, skills, trade, movement between classes, etc.

Social Classes

An Essay on Viking Society and Influence

The Role of Women in Viking Society

History on the Net: Nobles, Freemen and Slaves

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