Viking Life
From which three modern countries did the Vikings originally come?
Denmark, Sweden, and Norway
What were two common jobs for Viking men?
Farmers and traders (also blacksmiths)
What was a “raid”?
A surprise attack to steal goods and riches
What religion did the Vikings follow?
Norse mythology
What word do we use for Viking stories about their gods and heroes?
Myths or sagas
What years are known as the “Viking Age”?
739 AD to 1066 AD
Why did many Vikings leave their homelands?
To find new farmland, raid and conquer, or because they disliked their king
Why were monasteries common targets for Viking raids?
They were near the coast and had treasures but little defence
Who was the Viking god of thunder?
Thor
What material were Viking houses mainly built from?
Wood and turf
Describe what you might see inside a Viking home.
A hearth, one open room, benches, a loom, and turf walls
What did Vikings trade with other groups?
Furs, metalwork, weapons, jewellery, and slaves
What year did the Vikings first raid Lindisfarne Monastery?
793 AD
Who was Loki?
The god of mischief
What did the Vikings use to navigate their ships?
The sun, stars, and landmarks
How was Viking clothing different from ours today?
They wore cloaks, fur, brooches, long underwear, and used ropes called hangarocs
Describe one important feature of Viking ships.
They were long, narrow, had dragon heads, sails, and were built with overlapping wood (clinker-built)
What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066?
The Saxons defeated the Vikings, ending the Viking Age
Who was Odin?
The god of war
What was one Viking invention that helped their shipbuilding?
The clinker-built technique (overlapping wooden planks)
Name two foods that Vikings commonly ate.
Answers may include: turnips, onions, whale, barley, rye, oats, berries, nuts, boar, or squirrel
How did Viking ships help them explore and raid?
They were fast, could sail in shallow water, and travel far across seas and rivers
What were two main reasons the Vikings raided new lands?
To gain wealth and new land for farming
What did Frey represent in Norse mythology?
Love, fertility, and beauty
What event marked the end of the Viking Age?
The Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 AD