A New Look at the Vikings

Many people believe that the Vikings were savages who ran all over Northern Europe doing whatever they please, but this isn’t entirely true although the Vikings did raid neighboring country’s they did have rules amongst them.

Just like all people, the Vikings believed in some sort of afterlife. They believed that when they die and have followed the Nine Noble Virtues, they will live forever in Valhalla, which is their version of heaven. The Nine Noble Virtues is like the Ten Commandments, only is the Viking way, following these virtues will make a Viking respected amongst their clan and will allow them to get to heaven.

The main reason the Vikings became raiders was because they all wanted to be feared, but they also wanted to find love on their voyages from sailing to one country to the next. Another reason why they raided countries was the lack of resources. Because the Scandinavian countries were either extremely hilly or very flat with very poor soil, they had to travel to other countries to steal their food and/or livestock.

The Vikings didn’t really have a currency, they traded with jewelry or with items such as weapons or animal fur, in Viking society precious metals such as silver gold or other valuable metals were used to show power or how wealthy the person was. The Vikings never used coins until they started trading with other countries in the late 900s, they started getting coins that were used as currency in nearby countries.

Being a raider and a trader are similar is some ways, but at the same time they are quite different as a trader always sells his items for money and buys any item for money as well, but something similar between the two is that they are always trying to make a profit and travels around, when traders travel, they aren’t looking for someone to steal from, but a potential customer who catches his eye on something that they own. For a raider it is a lot easier to make a profit as they steal instead of having to barter for it. A trader often makes his own items to make a unique item that he can sell for more because it is unique.

When traveling the Vikings did not use maps because the already had certain ways to know where they are and where they were headed. The Vikings looked at the position of the sun and the stars to pinpoint where they are and how far away land was, they looked at the color of the sea, the way the waves were moving and how the wind blowing.

Now although the Vikings did raid other countries and were considered barbarian, they still had meaning behind their culture. Everything that the Vikings did had a meaning and a reason for it.

References

  1. Dr. Bodhi Sanders, 2010, viewed 27/8/19 https://thewisdomwarrior.com/2010/09/17/the-nine-noble-virtues-viking-values-for-the-warrior-lifestyle/
  2. Gareth Williams, February 2011 viewed 29/8/19 https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/money_01.shtml
  3. http://www.ivargault.com/vikingene/iona/klostrene_en.html
  4. Patti Winington. ‘The Nine Noble Virtues of Asatru’. Learn Religions, Apr. 17, 2019, https://www.learnreligions.com/noble-virtues-of-asatru-2561539
  5. Thor-Egil Paulsen, March 1995, viewed 29/8/19 http://www.viking.no/the-viking-travels/viking-trade/the-vikings-and-money/

Reflections on Why the Vikings Were Not Barbarians, But Civilized People

The Vikings were non-barbarian people as they were civilized. They have many stereotypes about them which would hold caused them being portrayed as savages, and they were more advanced in their ethical motives and morals compared to the remainder of Europe, despite all the stereotypes the Vikings faced. They were extremely civilized people. The Vikings used combs, soap and bathed one time a hebdomad, so they were above European criterions, contrary to what many people believe. They were merchandisers, husbandman, and innovators. So, it wasn’t ever about plundering for the Vikings. The Vikings being barbarian people is merely one of the many stereotypes that surround them. Their society had similar ethical motives and morals to the ones we have today.

The Vikings practiced a signifier of democracy, and they based jurisprudence and order on the thing system. The Thing had legislative and judiciary powers. Every free adult male had to go to the Thing. Adult females and disabled people could go to it every bit well. And the Vikings elected their male monarch at it. The Vikings had no memorized jurisprudence but an adult male known as the ‘lovsigemann’ opened the Thing by stating the Torahs, which he had memorized by bosom. The thing was a democratic fundamental law; everyone was considered a citizen, except for slaves and outlaws. It was more of a democracy than the one in Athens, which merely included 10 % of the population.

Their societal behavior was based on an unwritten system of award or a codification of morals. An adult male of award was a principled adult male, hospitable and generous, and offered an assisting menu to friends in demand. Viking adult females were allowed to inherit belongings, divorce and acquire dowries back. Especially fit adult females were allowed to go warriors known as ‘skjoldmo’, which means ‘shield girl’. Women in the United States military weren’t even allowed to be in combat until January 2013.

The Vikings were able to merchandise peacefully with other states, which proves they weren’t barbarian people.

The Vikings besides had their main myths about the gods. They worshiped many gods, such as Odin and Thor. They have a deep mythology that barbarian people are non-capable of. Most people don’t cognize about all of that because they have many stereotypes that engulf them.

The Vikings have many stereotypes environing them, and there is good ground for this. One of the many stereotypes environing them is that they wore horned or winged helmets. The Vikings never wore winged or horned helmets as that would hold been an awful thought and it would hold been advantageous for their enemies. Their visual aspect is besides a stereotype. They are frequently depicted as large, looming work forces, but in reality, they were about 5’7 in height, which is tall by today’s criterions.

The Vikings had advanced technology compared to other civilizations at the time. The basis of their technology was their naval fleet. These consisted of longships and knarr (a Viking ship that was often used for merchant purposes). These ships were skillfully crafted using timber, mainly oak.

The stereotypes that surround the Vikings portray them as something they were not and did not do; people believe they did things they didn’t really do, such as being dirty people. Their ethical motives and morals are similar to what we have today, such as rights for adult females, which is something other adult females didn’t have. The Vikings are portrayed as things they are non. They are non the barbarian people they are made out to be, and alternatively, they are some of the most of import figures in history as they laid the basis for our society today.

The Vikings and Their Mark in World History

The Middle Ages was a period of time in our history going from about 590 to 1500. Medieval Europe had many big events, one of those things is the Vikings, who were known for their travel and brutal persona. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the people from what is now known as Scandinavia, the Vikings spread their influence of their maritime skills, their warrior techniques and experienced trading talents. Because they were willing to settle new lands, they impacted the social, economic and political systems of the time.

The Vikings were a society of Norse people who are originally from what now is Scandinavia about 10,000 years ago. A long time later, they became known as ‘Vikings’, which the definition is uncertain, but it may be based on the Norse words for ‘voyagers’. The Vikings built trading networks for multiple different areas in Europe and other places such as Northern India and the Middle East. The Vikings were the first to create trade routes down the Volga and Dnieper River and also created routes to Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire. The Vikings helped the trading economy of Europe and helped it become a more stable market. The Vikings also influenced the technology of the Middle Ages by introducing swords, spears, javelins, battle axes, etc. The metalworking skills of the Vikings also welcomed the forge and smithy to Europe. The Vikings also made particular areas of Europe dangerous by raiding monasteries and settlements, making it a challenge for traders and travelers to go through different parts of Medieval Europe.

The Vikings were famous for sailing long distances from their homes between 800 and 1066 AD. They travelled around Europe to raid, trade, set up new routes and find new land around the globe. The Vikings were expert boat builders and had exceptional maritime skills. They designed and built the ‘longboat’, which was 16-37 meters long and had holes in the side of the boat for paddles. They were easy to steer and were designed to float high in the water, making landing on the beach easy. The Vikings were also sort of eco-friendly as they designed the houses with turf roofs to help keep in the heat. The Vikings had funerals, when they would place the body with their clothes, jewelry, even their animals in a burial ship. They would cover the ship in piles of dirt and sediment or set it alight and push the boat out to sea. The Vikings had one special being in their society called Leif Erikson. According to historians, Leif was actually the first-person who set foot on North America/Canada, apart from the Natives of course. ‘Saga of Erik, the Red’ states: “There were fields of wild wheat, and the vine-tree in full growth. There were also the trees which were called maples”. This shows that he has found land and saw these things on the landscape. Maple trees come from Canada, which proves that he did set foot on Canada/North America, about 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

The Vikings are known to be barbaric and bloodthirsty warriors who sail in big boats. These remarks are definitely accurate as they raided monasteries and churches as they did not agree with Christianity, as they had their own religion. This made it difficult for travelers in Europe to pass through areas the Vikings had dominated. When the feudal system was put in place, part of the reason to create it was to respond to the threats spoken by the Vikings. Empires were great potential marketplaces, with luxury goods because the wealth were usually living in the larger cities, meaning more potential customers were living in one big colonization. In the middle of the ninth century, archaeological evidence of the Vikings trading in Constantinople were found. Both of these empires were geographically accessible, from the trading routes the Viking sailors charted. This helps prove that the trades were probably due to economic and political factors.

Vikings have influenced old Europe and also modern Europe and many other societies. The Viking’s law system is similar to today with establishing that alleged criminals would be trailed by a group of witnesses and could be found innocent or guilty. In 930 AD, the parliament of the Viking called ‘Althing’ was established in Iceland. It runs to this day, making it the world’s longest running parliament. The Vikings also influenced a lot of modern-day art and language. Norse language has been even been used in our language today. Some of these words are ‘happy’, ‘law’, ‘slaughter’ and ‘berserk’ and there are many more. Even the word ‘Thursday’ comes from the word ‘Thor.’ This shows that the Vikings have impacted modern life in some way, and also left us some interesting history behind us.

In conclusion, the Vikings left a significant mark in world history. With their seafaring skills, warrior techniques, and skilled trade talents, they influenced the social, economic, and political systems of the time and generations to come.

Scandinavian Expansion in the Viking Age

Introduction

It is imperative to mention that Norse expansion is a fascinating topic that has been actively discussed by scholars. There have been many disagreements between primary causes and reasoning behind some of the attacks, and it is possible to state that a consensus still has not been achieved. However, it is possible to identify particular patterns and relationships between various factors that have led to such processes. It is hard to argue with the fact that Vikings are viewed as strong and vicious warriors, and it would be beneficial to review the literature on this topic to get a better understanding of some of the aspects of this expansion.

Discussion

The problem that Vikings had to deal with is that their lands were not viewed as suitable for agriculture, and it has led to resource shortages (Kendrick 43). The lifestyle has also played a vital role, and they were outstanding shipbuilders. The role of trade between the countries has increased at that time, and Vikings realized that it is an opportunity for enrichment (Barrett 677). They understood that their ships were much more advanced, and such a technological advantage could be utilized in raiding. A political situation was also not stable, and many families thought that they should move because living conditions at that time were not acceptable.

Another possible explanation for such actions is that Vikings wanted to avenge their people that have suffered as a result of invasions of European. For instance, Charlemagne wanted to ensure that Scandinavians convert to Christianity and punished individuals that did not want to obey. Such attacks had led to numerous conflicts in the region, and it could have caused many disagreements. However, the problem with this concept is that Britain was the first country that they attacked, and it is a significant contradiction. However, it is entirely possible that there was a misunderstanding, and they had to engage in a fight because of the circumstances.

Traditions of Vikings could also play a crucial role. Young people had to look for lands according to some of the beliefs. Also, it is widely known that they were used to selective procreation, and it had led to numerous problems. They tried to look for wives in other regions because they recognized that a shortage was present. However, the desire for enrichment may be viewed as the most reasonable theory because it was the core reason behind most expansions throughout history. One of the most significant aspects that should not be overlooked is that Vikings took advantage of the fact that people did not expect their attacks most of the time because they were hard to predict. It is imperative to understand that their boats were incredibly efficient, and they could be used to sail to regions that were viewed as not easily accessible.

Furthermore, villages that were under attack did not have enough time to react appropriately, and it was nearly impossible to organize a defense. Moreover, their ships could be utilized as an efficient way to escape if they were not able to control the situation and had to deal with enormous resistance. Another factor that should be highlighted is that their attacks have continued to be effective even after information about them has been spread. It was evident that they were ahead of their time, and their strategies were well-developed. They always refined their techniques and utilized new approaches. For instance, they have started using horses to become much more mobile, and their attacks were not as one-dimensional (Howard 26). They have occupied some of the territories and lived there for extended periods.

One of the misconceptions about the Vikings is that they hated Christianity. However, this argument is quite questionable. The core reason the attacked churches is because they understood that they can get access to valuable resources, and do not have to be worried about being caught because most churches were poorly defended. Moreover, pieces of evidence that suggest that they have converted to Christianity later (Taylor 27). A new religion was easy to accept for them, and they did not have any hatred towards individuals that were not pagan. Furthermore, they became much more careful in their battles and had to flee in some instances because of their religious beliefs. However, they had to deal with unfair trading practices from the side of Christians. It can be seen that a particular inconsistency is present. It is not likely that people who hated Christianity would consider converting to this religion. It is possible that some of the attacks were caused by religious factors, but it cannot be stated that this argument is reasonable as a whole. Another aspect that supports this perspective is that they did not destroy churches, and wanted to extract ransoms for members of the community that they have captured.

They attacked Britain in 793 and have started to assault people in the region (). One of the misconceptions about Vikings is that they rarely lost any battles. However, it is no true, but they did not give up and were determined to conquer the lands. Their beliefs also played a vital role in this case because they thought that individuals that died in combat are going to a place known as Valhalla, and it made them into incredible warriors that rarely had any fear (Schaffer 100). The purpose of attacks has also changed with time. They did not only want to steal the goods and escape but also planned to capture villages. Many towns were forfeited as a result, and it was a significant strategic advantage.

They have recognized that attacking monasteries is an efficient approach to become wealthy and have utilized the same strategies when invading Scotland and other countries. One of the most significant strengths of Vikings was that they were extremely mobile. However, the level of flexibility of their armies has reduced once they decided to settle on lands that they have already captured (Logan 103). They were close to the enemies, and it was not possible to abandon their homes, and they had to be defended. Many European countries recognized them as a common threat and have united to defend their territories. Moreover, Vikings had to look for other regions where they could expand.

Another fact that suggests that they were focused on the monetary gains is that they were willing to participate in discussions, and would leave the territory if they were paid sufficient funds. It is necessary to mention that they were able to establish relationships with some countries. For instance, Hrolf has protected France from other Vikings. They understood that they are at an outstanding position and could explore other territories. Their fights in Southern Europe are worth highlighting. They were defeated on numerous occasions by Muslims because they underestimated their enemies (Logan 110). They had to leave the territories that they have occupied in some cases. Some scholars suggest that they left Greenland because some individuals believed that they should get rid of their religious beliefs. However, no sufficient evidence that would prove this perspective is present.

It is paramount to note that the fact that Vikings were not united could be viewed as a significant weakness, and it is one of the primary reasons that their reign was not efficient in the long-term. The support of most attacks was limited, and they were started because groups of people were not satisfied with the actions of the government. Another aspect that needs to be considered is that many Viking ships have followed if they were aware of the fact that an attack was successful. However, the lack of unity was problematic, and it is possible to state that they did not have a common goal most of the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that Vikings were outstanding warriors and were able to take advantage of advanced technologies that they had. It is possible to argue about the reasons behind the expansion, but numerous pieces of evidence support the theory that they wanted to get rich and gain access to territories. Religion played a crucial role, but the fact that most Vikings have converted to Christianity is fascinating. Overall, it is possible to state that they had numerous strengths, but some weaknesses that they had has led to the demise of their era.

Works Cited

Barrett, James H. “What Caused the Viking Age?” Antiquity 82.317 (2008): 671-85. Print.

Howard, Ian. Swein Forkbeard’s Invasions and the Danish Conquest of England, 991-1017. Suffolk, UK: Boydell Press, 2003. Print.

Kendrick, Thomas D. A History of the Vikings. North Chelmsford, MA: Courier Corporation, 2012. Print.

Logan, Francis D. The Vikings in History. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Routledge, 2013. Print.

Schaffer, David. Viking Conquest. Sun Diego, CA: Lucent Books, 2001. Print.

Taylor, Dereen. Vikings. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2009. Print.

Vikings and Early Exploration

Introduction

Early exploration was mainly fueled by the fact that settlers had specific reasons for exploring their target regions. This was also the period of transitional history that helped in shaping past lives and events (Benjamin, Hall & Rutherford 2). This research paper shall examine the Vikings and early exploration. In this case, the history of the Viking s and the Spanish explorers shall be assessed. In addition, the paper shall also endeavor to compare and contrast the two groups of early explorers. Further, the events that took place in England during this period will be explored, along with the political, economic, and social events that affected colonization. The impact of these events on the early settlers in North America will be examined. Moreover, the French and English exploration endeavors will be examined, as they attempted to settle in America and the Caribbean during the sixteenth century.

History of Vikings and the Spanish

The Vikings were pirates from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who raided most parts of Europe. They explored Europe at the beginning of the 18th century and settled mainly in Iceland, France, Ireland, and Central Russia. Originally, the Vikings were from the Scandinavian region, and their common dialect was the Norse language. These Norsemen were sailors, farmers, and traders. However, they were also violent as they attacked and robbed people (Magnusson $ Hermann 173). Vikings’ attacks were dangerous as they would kill victims and rob them of any treasures that they had in their possession. The Vikings believed in gods and goddesses and were strict followers of the Norse religion. They managed to accomplish their exploration escapades half a millennium ahead of the other European explorers. To a great extent, the success of the Vikings can be attributed to the sophisticated ships they had at their disposal, in addition to the survival techniques they had adopted. Early exploration was never safe due to bad weather, starvation, and the long distances involved. Accordingly, explorers were required to have well-developed ships. The Europeans might have also been intrigued by what they heard about the Norsemen (Magnusson and Hermann 175). For these reasons, it became difficult for other explorers to sail as they were not fully equipped. The Viking’s exploration also contributed to the exploration of other Europeans as they were involved in activities like trade which spread widely. There was an advent of new ships which promoted safe and easier sailing for other sailors. Technologically, the Vikings had superior ships, and this enhanced their sea movement to vast distances (Middleton.p.14). They were also competent sailors who used hit-and-run tactics to raid their victims. Due to these reasons, the Vikings were able to sail in the cold regardless of the treacherous ocean that was a threat to other Europeans. Eventually, the Viking age came to an end due to the establishment of royal authority and Christianity. As a result, the Vikings were unable to consolidate their achievements. They were also unable to establish an enduring empire that would have stretched from the Scandinavian fjords across the northern Atlantic latitudes. Later Spain settled and colonized America as they left their families in their home country. The Spanish settlement was spearheaded by the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. They mainly settled in Mexico they had to move to other parts later on. Their settlement enabled other individual Spanish settlers to further explore the region. One such example is Father Junipero Serra who led the Spanish settlers to California. Other priests also joined Father Serra and helped build a church in San Diego. In San Diego, the Indians were taught about Christianity by these priests. This trend continued as more people were converted to Christianity. Apart from their spreading of Christianity, the Spanish settlers continued to explore America in search of wealth and power. Spain became successful mainly because of the numerous expeditions that they conducted (Magnusson and Hermann 184).

Comparison and contrast

The Spanish and Vikings were similar in the sense that they were both settlers who managed to explore the American region. Both the Spanish and Vikings traveled to America via sea, sailing through long distances. Unlike the Vikings, Spanish explorers were mainly Christians and they spread the gospel along the way. The Vikings were involved in trading activities, raiding, and settlers. Many people became Christian followers as the gospel was spread to even the remotest areas. At the beginning of their exploration, the Spanish settled in Mexico and later on moved to other areas. On the other hand, the Vikings settled in the southwest of Greenland, although they had to leave due to the cold climate. While the Vikings were settlers from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, the Spanish settlers were from Spain, England, The Netherlands, and France. Viking settlement was much earlier than Spanish settlement because they arrived in America at the end of the 8th century. The Spanish arrived half a millennium later when Vikings had already settled. The Spanish settlement was successful compared to Vikings because they were able to convert Americans into Christianity. The Vikings failed in their trading activities and also did not succeed because they raided people. In their settlement, the Vikings were worshipers of many gods while the Spanish worshiped only one God. Spanish homes were made of ironwork which was very spacious and displayed renaissance architecture. Spanish homes were furnished with chairs, tables, cupboards, and benches which were mainly made from leather. The Spanish homes were one level or split level which sprawled out with thick adobe walls. Some of their homes were built of palm-thatched homes which became popular in Mexico. Vikings on the other hand lived in longhouses together with their animals although in different rooms. Unlike Spanish homes, the Viking houses were wet and full of smoke. This resulted in such health problems as chest complications. The Vikings were talented in metalwork which they used in building their homes. Unlike the Spanish settlers, the Vikings did not have priests and did not have churches in places where they lived. The Spanish built churches in the area where they settled as they would hold Christian meetings together (Malden 5).

Economic and social events and conditions

Events in England in the first half of the seventeenth century exerted a profound influence on all aspects of the early colonization of North America. There were political, economic, and social events and conditions during those fifty years that affected colonization (Middleton 14). In England, there were Puritans who formed self-governing communities of religious groups of farmers and their families. Politically, some top politicians donated parcels of land to settlers. White settlers were given the priority of having bigger land that could support their families. The white settlers also made important decisions during town meetings. Most of England’s settlers were small-scale farmers and lived in wooden houses because there was plenty of wood. In the middle of the 18th century, agricultural life was affected by religion as more people concentrated in the church than on the farms. There farming became a problem because there was not enough land to plow. There were however some farmers who bought land from speculators in New Hampshire. They used the lands to plant nutritious grass which provided them with high production. In 1750, there were merchants, artisans, and shopkeepers who provided services to the growing population. The difference in ethnicity was realized as women were not allowed to work with men on the farms. All these events in England promoted colonization as there were explores who found the land productive. With the events in England, there was more population which led to the settlement of North America (Middleton 172).

During the sixteenth century, there were numerous French and English explorations and attempts at settlement in North America and the Caribbean. The French first settled in North America as explorers who were searching for wealth and were led by the King of France. Their major settlement was on the island of Hispaniola where they established the colony of Saint Dominguez. On the other hand, English colonization started in the year 1607 to around 1681. During that time, there were several attempts to establish colonies but eventually, this failed due to scarcity of food and harsh winter climate. Later, the Englishmen went to the Caribbean which was attractive, and took some small Islands. This settlement did not last for long as there was a transition to slavery in the Caribbean which made Englishmen vacate. Unfortunately, the Englishmen did not achieve much in the Caribbean (Middleton 84).

Conclusion

Early exploration led to the colonization of many nations which were centers of interest. It was a period in which some explorers succeeded in their ambitions while there were defeated by other nations.

Works Cited

Benjamin, Thomas, Hall Timothy, and Rutherford, David. The Atlantic World in the Age of Empire Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Print.

Magnusson, Magnus and Hermann ,Palsson. The Vinland Sagas: The Norse Discovery Of America. Trans. And Ed. By Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson NY: Viking, 1965. Web.

Middleton, Richard. Colonial America history. A History, 1565-1776. 3rd Edition.

Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2002. Web.

Vikings and the Development of Europe

Introduction

The Viking era is a well-known chapter of European history, characterized by numerous raids of the eponymous force upon different locations in the region. The group’s definition usually consists of Scandinavian raiders, though the more peaceful settlers are also sometimes included. Unlike most European nations, the Vikings relied on their sizable fleet and naval prowess, which enabled them to stay mobile and be challenging to detect in time to prepare a response. They also attacked with different objectives than most European powers, disrespecting Christianity and seeking wealth rather than conquest. With that said, the Vikings also established settlements in many locations across Europe, notably, it’s the eastern part. The period started with the first attacks in the 8th century and ended in the 11th, as the Scandinavians were assimilated into Christianity and the broader European culture.

Region

The Vikings were primarily based in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, three nations with extensive sea access, which explains their naval tendencies. As seafaring raiders who did not operate on land, the Vikings typically attacked coastal regions across most of Europe and North Africa as well as Britain (Somerville & McDonald, 2019). In some parts of the coast where resistance was weak, notably multiple areas in the British Isles, they founded permanent settlements (Somerville & McDonald, 2019). With that said, they also moved down the Volga River to raid the Bulgarians and Slavs, ultimately settling in Rus.

Societal and Economic Effects

The Viking settlers, permitted by the territories’ rulers to live there for reasons such as safety from further raiding, eventually embraced Christianity and integrated it into the nations where they lived. As a result, Europe’s economic prosperity increased, especially as raiding as a whole came to an end. Moreover, as Farmer (2019) notes, the raiders preferred to attack rich and undefended monasteries as opposed to poorer and more dangerous towns. Hence, the latter were permitted to grow, and, cooperating with the newly assimilated Scandinavian settlers, they achieved economic growth across Europe.

Effects on Religion

One of the most-discussed aspects of Viking invasions is their brutality, which is often attributed to their lack of Christian values and violence-centered way of life. However, as they, especially those that settled in the region, interact with the Europeans, they increasingly adopted the religion. Spielvogel (2016) asserts that Christianity played a dominant role in their overall assimilation into the European culture that followed, which was also one of the reasons for the eventual end of the raiding. Moreover, the raids on wealthy religious institutions created a change in their organization in Europe. As Farmer (2019) describes, ascetic monasteries proliferated and became new culture centers, leading to a broader decentralization of European culture.

Effects on Politics and Military Power

Due to unpredictable raiding patterns, European kings with their centralized armies were unable to stop Viking invasions effectively. As Spielvogel (2016) notes, the people turned to local aristocrats for protection, transferring power to them and creating vassalage practices and, eventually, feudalism. These local nobles amassed personal armies that were more flexible and positioned closer to the raid locations, becoming more effective at repelling them. Beeler (2018) adds that, while the English were able to deal with Norse raids through minor modifications of their tactics, the Carolingians were less successful in doing so, eventually having to abandon their infantry approaches in favor of mounted units.

Study of History and Informed Citizenship

To be an informed citizen, one has to understand the various sides of any issue. Despite their brutal reputation, the Vikings were not as large a threat as they seem, possibly benefiting Europe more than they hurt it. Though they raided, stole riches, and killed numerous people, they also stimulated Europe’s economic and political development. Spielvogel (2016) adds that the Magyars also threatened Europe at the time, with whom it dealt in a similar fashion as the Vikings. As such, the impact of the Norse raiders is typically overrated in public awareness.

The advantage of history is that it lets one view past events from multiple perspectives and attain a more objective understanding of each side’s actions. Such information will often be unavailable for more current events, but informed citizens should be aware that it likely exists nevertheless. Though they raided Europe and inflicted numerous casualties, the Vikings ultimately had different objectives, which the Europeans were able to satisfy to mutual benefit. The Viking scenario also shows the advantages of peaceful solutions over violent ones, though it should be noted that the pacification took place in large part because improved deterrence measures made raiding unattractive compared to cooperation.

Past Cultures and Today’s Events

History scholars disagree on the reasons why the Vikings resorted to raiding Europe as opposed to staying in their territories or engaging in trade. Spielvogel (2016) cites theories such as overpopulation, revenge for past slights, and reduced trade opportunities, but notes that none of them have been proven conclusively. Many of these factors likely contributed to the cultural shift that led to the advent of the practice. In modern scenarios, people’s motivations are likely also more complex and morally grey than they may appear initially, and it is essential to consider all available information before acting.

One of the most notable factors of the Viking raids was their decentralized nature, with different communities engaging in attacks without coordinating with others. Per Spielvogel (2016), this tendency was the result of the weak power of Scandinavian monarchs, and, as they strengthened and embraced Christianity, their subjects’ raiding was quashed. The likely reason for this was the monarchs’ growing ties with European nations, which would be damaged if they had to take responsibility for the continued attacks. This result demonstrates the importance of understanding power structures in various powers that take action in the national and international arena. Individuals’ actions do not reflect their entire group, and leaders cannot necessarily exert enough influence to persuade all of their nominal subordinates to act in a specific manner.

Conclusion

Though Vikings deserve their reputation as brutal raiders and were not motivated by altruistic impulses, they still had a substantially positive influence on Europe once the broader perspective is taken into consideration. Their threat forced advances in the local political situation that would inform much of the Medieval period, and their economic contributions helped strengthen the nations where they operated despite the raids. Moreover, Vikings’ eventual pacification can serve as insight and a model for dealing with violent enemies. Overall, the example of the group provides valuable insights that can be applied in modern scenarios, as well.

References

Beeler, J. H. (2018). Warfare in feudal Europe, 730–1200. Cornell University Press.

Farmer, S. (2019). Communities of Saint Martin: Legend and ritual in medieval Tours. Cornell University Press.

Somerville, A. A., & McDonald, R. A. (Eds.). (2019). The Viking Age: A reader (3rd ed.). University of Toronto Press.

Spielvogel, J. J. (2016). Western civilization: Volume A: To 1500 (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.