Viking Age

Definition

The Viking Age refers to the period from approximately 793 to 1066 AD, marked by the seafaring expeditions and invasions of Norse explorers, traders, and warriors from Scandinavia. This era is crucial in understanding the transformation of Anglo-Saxon England, as it led to significant cultural, economic, and political changes due to the interactions between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Viking Age began with the raid on Lindisfarne in 793 AD, marking a shift in European history as Viking raids intensified across Britain and beyond.
2. Vikings established trade routes connecting Scandinavia with parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North America, facilitating cultural exchange and commerce.
3. The Danelaw represented a significant area of Viking influence in England, where they established settlements and exerted control over local populations.
4. Viking raids were not only destructive but also led to the establishment of new settlements that contributed to the cultural landscape of Anglo-Saxon England.
5. The end of the Viking Age is often marked by the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, which symbolized the decline of Norse influence in England following the rise of strong centralized kingdoms.

Review Questions

• How did Viking expeditions during the Viking Age impact trade and cultural exchanges in Anglo-Saxon England?
  • Viking expeditions significantly transformed trade in Anglo-Saxon England by establishing new trade routes that connected England with Scandinavia, Europe, and even parts of Asia. These interactions facilitated cultural exchanges, leading to influences in art, language, and technology. The Vikings brought new goods and ideas to England while also adopting aspects of Anglo-Saxon culture, creating a blend that enriched both societies.
• Discuss the significance of the Danelaw in shaping Anglo-Saxon England during the Viking Age.
  • The Danelaw was a crucial area in England that fell under Viking control, leading to major changes in governance and culture. It represented a legal and administrative system distinct from traditional Anglo-Saxon law. The presence of Norse settlers led to significant demographic shifts, economic growth through trade, and the blending of cultural practices that influenced local customs and governance structures throughout the region.
• Evaluate the factors that contributed to the decline of Viking influence in Anglo-Saxon England by 1066 and how this decline reshaped English identity.
  • Several factors contributed to the decline of Viking influence in Anglo-Saxon England by 1066. Key among them was internal conflict among Viking leaders and increased resistance from Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that united against external threats. The decisive Battle of Stamford Bridge marked a turning point where Viking power waned significantly. This decline paved the way for stronger centralized governance in England and laid the foundations for a more unified English identity that incorporated both Anglo-Saxon and Norse elements.

Related terms

Norsemen: The term used to describe the Scandinavian people, particularly those from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, who were involved in Viking expeditions during the Viking Age.

Danelaw: The area of England under the control of the Vikings, where Norse law was applied and which became a center for Viking settlement and culture.

Longship: A type of ship developed by the Vikings that was known for its speed and agility, allowing them to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers effectively.