Vikings

The Vikings were seafarers. Between the ninth and eleventh centuries, their ferocious attacks struck fear into the hearts of people throughout many parts of Europe.

​​From what part of the world did they originate?

• Finland

• Southern Europe

• Scandinavia

• Northern Scotland

Answer explanation

The Vikings originated in Scandinavia, where today’s modern nations are Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

For centuries, Scandinavians sailed in craft that were essentially giant rowboats.

​​Then, in the eighth century CE, they devised which three innovations?

• A keel

• A steering wheel

• A great woollen or linen sail

• An oar used as a rudder for steering

Answer explanation

In the eighth century CE, they devised several innovations:

a keel

a great woollen or linen sail

an oar used as a rudder for steering

With this new technology, they could make longer ocean voyages. It also gave them the means by which to attack lands a long way away.

What are Viking runes?

• A writing system

• Dwellings

• Myths and legends

• Sailing ships

Answer explanation

The Viking writing system was known as runes. These markings were inscribed on bone or carved on rock.

The Vikings have often been considered barbarians, particularly by historical European sources. Some Viking raiders took their reputation to extremes. What were the most barbaric and ferocious of all Vikings known as?

• The berserkers

• The beakers

• The breakers

• The benders

Answer explanation

The most barbaric and ferocious of all Vikings were the berserkers. These crazed warriors dressed only in animal skins and charged screaming into battle while biting the rims of their shields. However, the term ‘barbarian’ is misleading. When considering their weapons, armour and ships, the Vikings can be said to have been at the cutting edge of technology.

What did the Vikings do before they left Scandinavia?

• They were builders

• They were bankers

• They were farmers

• They were soldiers

Generally, Viking farms tended to be a huddle of buildings around a central building where the family lived.

What was this central building known as?

• The main house

• The central house

• The store house

• The longhouse

Answer explanation

The central building is called the longhouse. 

Generally, Viking farms tended to be a huddle of buildings around the longhouse where the family lived. Archaeologists have found that longhouses in the early part of the Viking Age included not only the living quarters for the family, but also stalls for animals, a workshop, and stores for food and tools. Later, the longhouse was used only as living quarters for the family; everything else was moved to other buildings. Hired hands were often employed to help run the farm. Slaves were also used, probably in the least desirable jobs, such as looking after sheep.

Not much is known about pagan Viking religion because evidence is scarce. The sagas appear to give us some details.

We know for certain that pagan Viking religion was 

The Vikings had a polytheistic religion. What does polytheistic mean?

• They didn't believe in any gods

• They believed in only one god

• They believed in multiple gods

• They believed their gods looked like animals

In AD793 where did the Vikings famously attack?

• Lindisfarne monastery in Northumbria

• Buckingham Palace in London

• York Castle

• Bolsover Castle

Why were the monks (holy men) at Lindsifarne not armed against attackers?

• Because they could fight really well without swords

• Because they were Christian and thought no one would hurt them because their God would protect them

• Because they had no treasure

• Because they didn't care if anyone took their lives and their treasure