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.

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.

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

Which continent or continents did the Vikings discover and settle in?

• North America

• Africa

• Europe

• All of these

How long did the Vikings continue making raids on Europe?

• About 50 years

• About 150 years

• About 250 years

• About 500 years

Which of the following was not a famous Viking invader?

• Erik the Red

• Leif Eriksson

• Storm Thorgensen

• King Cnut

What were the most likely reason that started the Viking raids?

• Hunger and lack of living space

• A desire to travel

• Money!

• Revenge

Vikings wore clothes made of wool, linen, fur and leather. Which one of these cloths comes from a plant?

• Wool

• Linen

• Fur

• Leather