Western History 65: Who were the Vikings?

The Vikings were a population of traders, raiders and settlers of Scandinavian origin (includes the Norse and the Danes) who played an important role in European history from the 8^th to the 11^th century. A pagan population with a distinct mythology, language system and writing the Vikings established many colonies throughout Europe and systematically influenced the geo-political development of the continent. The Viking heritage is scene throughout Europe in the place names, wood carvings, musical instrument development, coinage and literature. Norse mythology is pervasive in European culture. A Timeline of Key Events in Viking history is outlined below.

A Timeline of Viking History

789 – Vikings begin attacks on England

840 – City of Dublin, Ireland founded by the Vikings
862 -  Russian colony in Novgorod established by Viking Rus Ulrich.

866 – Vikings set up colony in York, England

871 – Alfred the Great halts Viking advance in England

879 – Kiev set up a centre of Viking domain (Kievan Rus)

900 – Vikings raid Mediterranean Sea

911 – Viking colony in Normandy established

981 – Erik the Red discovers Greenland

986 – Vikings reach Newfoundland waters.

995 – Norway becomes a Christian country. Christianity will spread to both Iceland and Greenland.

1002 – Irish under Brian Boru defeat Vikings

c. 1010 – Viking settlement in North America established. Leif Ericsson, the son of Eric the Red, is the founder. Territory is known as Vinland – colony located at L’Anse aux Meadows (Canada). Lief had already converted to Christianity by this date.

1013 – Danes conquer England

1028 – Knut (or Canute) rules as king of England, Norway and Denmark. Zenith of Viking power.

1050 – Founding of the City of Oslo in Norway.

1066 – Viking power deteriorates after the defeat of Harald Hadrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Source: Vikings with zest