The Viking Age means much more than pillaging and burning. The Vikings proved to be able traders, explorers, storytellers, warriors, artists, shipbuilders, and farmers They opened routes to the North Atlantic, Russia, the Middle East, and Europe. The Vikings even created a kind of democracy in their form of government.
Vikings changed the world they inherited. They expanded their reach from Iceland and New Foundland to Russia. They inherited a Middle Ages that brought them European culture. A strong work ethic and an honorable life prevaded Viking thinking. Yes, they possessed a desire for profit and material goods that consumed their thinking. They built market towns and maintained spheres of influence. We are fortunate to be aware of their records, archaeology, and numismatics. We have a good idea of what people wore and their tools. Come explore the world of the Viking and all the contributions that made this civilization live throughout world history. Your voyage has just started.
Session 1. Introduction. Fascination with Stories and Exploits, Viking-themed Films and Documentaries. Bringing Norse Culture. Fascination with Stories and Exploits, Dynamic and Creative Time.
Session 2. Vikings Great Opportunists. Massacre in Nantes. The Viking Tactics. Use of Axes, Especially Broadax. Swords Representing High Status. Comparing German Killings and Charlemagne.
Session 3. Swedish Vikings Called Roriks. Scandinavian Immigrants Taking British Isles. Norse Names and Words.
Session 4. Reshaping European Economies. Viking Ship As a Vessel. Viking Ship As a Short-Time Vessel. Rus and Arab Influence. Viking Funeral Arrangements.
Session 5. Influence of Arab Coins (Arab dirhams). Finding Viking Treasure. Stealing Gold, Silver, and Creating Slaves. Exhorting Tributes and Ransoms. Viking Trading Routes of Europe.
Session 6. Viking Chieftains to Kings. Development of the Longhouse. Chieftains Giving Gifts and Persuading Warriors to Follow. Scandinavia Transformation into Middle Kingdoms a Slow Process. Viking Kingdoms No Longer Alien to Europe..
Session 7. Relationships between Women and Men in the Viking Age. Farms Managed by Couples. Domestic Responsibilities of Women. Importance of Cultivation of Grain. Traces of Postholes and Longhouses. Dangers and Benefits of Farming.
Session 8. Conversion to Christian Organization. Diversity in Pagan Cults in Scandinavia. Slow Process of Converting to Christianity. Mission Areas Secured for Pledged Regions. Shared Christian Culture of Europe.
Session 9. Arts and Literature of Viking Age. Runes Providing Viking Insight and Poetry. Wariness of Ghosts in Viking Lore. Scandinavian Sense of Beauty and Poetry.
Session 10. End of the Viking Age. Battle of Stamford Bridge. Swedes and Danes Attacking Finland, Estonia, Russia, and Slavic Peoples. Politically Confused Time in All Three Scandinavian Kingdoms. Improvement of Military Forces. Scandinavia Following Its Own Path. Norse Mythology and Wars of the Gods.
Required Text(s)
Winroth, Anders. The Age of Vikings. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2014.
Wellman, Billy. History of the Vikings: An Enthralling Overview of the Viking Age. Las Vegas, Nevada: Billy Wellman (Publisher) Available on Amazon, 2023. (especially Chaps. 14 and 15).
Selected Bibliography
Brownworth, Lars. The Sea Wolves: A History of The Vikings. n.p.: Crux Publishing Ltd., 2014.
Herman, Arthur. The Viking Heart: How Scandinavians Conquered the World. New York: Mariner Books, 2021.
Jarman, Cat. River Kings: a New History of the Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads. New York: Pegasus Books, Ltd., 2022.
Jones, Gwyn. A History of The Vikings. 2d ed. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.
Pringle. Heather. "The Northwomen: Untold Stories from the Other Half of the Viking Worl;d." March Washington, D..C.: National Geographic, March, 2024.
Pringle. Heather. "The Warrior Women of the Viking Age." National Geographic, March, 2025, pp. 65-87.
Roesdahl, Else. The Vikings. 3d ed. UK and USA: Penguin Books, 1992, 1998, 2016.
Sheppard, Si. The Viking Siege of Paris: Longships Raid the Seine, A.D. 885-86. New York: Osprey Publishing, Raid, 2022.