Vikings
The Vikings were a group of seafaring warriors who invaded and colonised many areas of Europe from the eighth to the 11th century. They travelled in longboats to regions where they could trade and raid, settling in places including Britain, Iceland and North America. Although the Vikings were called 'Danes' by the people of Britain, they originated from Norway and Sweden as well as Denmark. Their kings and warlords – including Svein Forkbeard, Ivar the Boneless and Erik Bloodaxe - are today known for their remarkable names and matching reputations. Find out everything you need to know about the Vikings here…
Vikings in Britain: how did raiders and marauders become lords and kings?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Ivar the Boneless, Ragnvald of Ed and 6 more Vikings you should know about
The truth about Viking berserkers
A brief history of the Vikings
5 forgotten Viking battles that shaped Britain's destiny. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
MembershipaudioVikings on screen. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Viking warfare
The Vikings developed a fearsome reputation for raiding and colonising throughout Europe. Some of them even became known, in legend, as Viking berserkers - fierce warriors who were said to have fought in a trance-like fury. But how much is known about the realities of Viking warfare? What weapons did the Vikings use? Who were their leaders? And did Viking women participate in fighting and raiding?
The truth about Viking berserkers
Why did the Vikings' violent raids begin?
The Vikings mutilated and maimed their defeated enemies. So why did Alfred the Great spare their leader?
From the raid on Lindisfarne to Harald Hardrada's defeat: 8 Viking dates you need to know
MembershipaudioThe global Vikings. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Russia, North America and the Middle East: where did the Vikings visit to trade and raid?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Your guide to the Viking raid of Lindisfarne in AD 793
MembershipaudioViking Britain. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
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Viking life and culture
What was daily life like for the Vikings? What did they wear? What religions did they follow? And were they really aggressive, bloodthirsty warriors? We bring you the facts…
Viking women: raiders, traders and settlers. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
The Vikings at home. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Vikings in America: the Europeans who arrived 500 years before Columbus. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
How England rode the Viking storm. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
MembershipaudioViking women. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Vikings: A land without kings. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
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Vikings on screen
‘Vikings’ creator Michael Hirst on the real history behind the hit drama. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
MembershipaudioVikings on screen. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
The real Vikings: the early medieval world behind the hit drama
The Vikings brutalised our ancestors. So why do the English still love them?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.
Famous Vikings
Ivar the Boneless, Ragnvald of Ed and 6 more Vikings you should know about
Ragnar Lothbrok: the legend of the immortal Viking and his sons
Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians: the warrior queen who crushed the Vikings
