I HAVE To React To This Viking Expert From WIRED

On this video I react to the recent upload by Wired where a Viking Age expert answers questions about the Vikings including Norse culture, history, archaeology and much more.

Link to the original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeuW5o73-7I

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The Viking Age, spanning roughly from the late 8th to the mid-11th century, was a transformative period in European history that saw Scandinavian seafarers, traders, and warriors leave an indelible mark on the world. This era of Norse expansion and influence reshaped the political, economic, and cultural landscape of medieval Europe and beyond. At the heart of the Viking Age was a spirit of exploration and adventure. The Norse people, hailing from present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, were skilled navigators and shipbuilders. Their iconic longships, with their shallow drafts and ability to sail in both deep seas and rivers, allowed them to venture far beyond their Scandinavian homelands. These intrepid explorers reached as far west as North America, establishing short-lived settlements in Newfoundland, while also traveling eastward along the rivers of Eastern Europe to the Black Sea and beyond. The Vikings' reputation as fearsome raiders is well-documented in historical accounts. Their sudden attacks on coastal communities and monasteries struck terror into the hearts of their victims. The sack of Lindisfarne in 793 CE is often cited as the beginning of the Viking Age, marking the start of a period of intense raiding activity. However, it would be a mistake to view the Vikings solely as marauders. Many Norse people were also skilled traders, artisans, and settlers who established thriving communities across Europe. In fact, the Viking Age was characterized by significant cultural exchange and assimilation. As Norse settlers integrated into local populations, they adopted and adapted local customs and beliefs, while also introducing elements of their own culture. This process of cultural hybridization is particularly evident in places like Normandy in France, where Norse settlers eventually became the ruling class, or in the Danelaw region of England, where Norse influence can still be seen in place names and linguistic borrowings. The political impact of the Viking Age was profound. Norse warriors carved out kingdoms in various parts of Europe, including the Danelaw in England, the Kingdom of Dublin in Ireland, and the Duchy of Normandy in France. The most far-reaching political development was perhaps the establishment of the Kievan Rus' state by Swedish Vikings, which would eventually evolve into Russia. Economically, the Vikings were instrumental in reinvigorating trade networks across Europe and beyond. Their trading activities stretched from the North Atlantic to the Middle East, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies. Viking merchants traded in a wide variety of commodities, including furs, amber, honey, slaves, silver, and exotic goods from distant lands. The religious landscape of Scandinavia underwent significant changes during the Viking Age. While the period began with the Norse people adhering to their traditional polytheistic beliefs, it ended with the gradual Christianization of Scandinavia. This process was not always peaceful, and the tension between the old and new faiths is reflected in many Norse sagas and historical accounts. The legacy of the Viking Age extends far beyond its historical timeframe. The Norse influence on language, law, place names, and folklore can still be observed in many parts of Europe and beyond. The sagas and myths that emerged from this period continue to captivate imaginations worldwide, inspiring countless works of literature, art, and popular culture. In conclusion, the Viking Age was a complex and multifaceted period that defies simple characterization. While the image of the Viking raider looms large in popular imagination, a fuller understanding of this era reveals a story of exploration, cultural exchange, political transformation, and economic expansion. The Norse people of this period were not just warriors, but also traders, settlers, craftsmen, and explorers whose legacy continues to shape our world today.

#wired #vikings #reactionvideo ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9O6LVcErl8