Who are the Vikings and where are they from? The influence of the Vikings on European history

Vikings are common name sea ​​robbers who ravaged Europe for several centuries. It is interesting that the Vikings themselves called themselves Noregs, Dans, but not Vikings. Since the campaign for prey was called “going to Vik,” the warriors were also called Vikings.

The first acquaintance of Europeans with northern warriors

In the summer of 789, the first historical meeting of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Wessex with the Vikings took place. The description of this meeting was recorded by local chroniclers. Three long drakkars landed on the English shores, from which fair-haired and tall warriors came ashore, speaking a vaguely familiar but incomprehensible language. The newcomers were met by the ruler of the local lands, whose name was preserved in the chronicles. It was Thane Beohtrik and his retinue. A short conversation took place with the aliens, which ended with the Vikings snatching swords and axes and slaughtering the entire detachment. After that, they, laughing, loaded the captured weapons and armor of the dead onto their ships and sailed in an unknown direction.

Of course, given the harsh life of that era, there was nothing strange in this attack. Local residents were constantly at odds with each other or with neighboring peoples. Why did the chroniclers record this particular Viking battle? This was facilitated by several unusual facts:

1. The Viking language was unfamiliar to the English warriors, so they could not understand who these warriors were;
2. The appearance of the Vikings and their powerful physique amazed the British;
3. Almost all of Europe had adopted Christianity by this time, and unknown warriors prayed to their gods and shouted their names in battle.

This incident amazed the British, although no one then could have thought that this was the beginning of the great expansion of the Vikings, which (judging by historical documents of that era) lasted about three centuries.

Let's try to figure out who the Vikings are and where they came from.

Historical background that led to the appearance of the Vikings in Europe

People appeared in Scandinavia quite a long time ago, back in the 6th millennium BC. Even then, the ancestors of all ancient Germanic peoples began to populate the territories where present-day Sweden and Denmark are located.

After the fall of Rome, when the great migration of peoples began and all the barbarians began to accept Christianity, Scandinavia was left out of work, it was too far away. If stories about Christians reached the Vikings, they were in a highly distorted form. The Viking gods were distinguished by their stern disposition, so the rare missionaries who entered the territory of Scandinavia could only be surprised to see how the ancient Germanic gods reigned supreme there. History has not preserved the names of those courageous preachers, but most likely they were simply captured into slavery.

It is still not clear to many why the Scandinavians suddenly decided to engage in mass robbery. If you read the historical chronicles of that era, the answer to this question suggests itself.

Around the 5th century AD, global cooling began, which significantly reduced the amount of cultivated land, and in Scandinavia there was already little of it. These anomalies reduced the population of Scandinavia by about 40 percent. Scientists came to a similar conclusion after studying many farms and other settlements of the ancient Scandinavians of that era.

The terrible cold lasted for about two centuries, after which the climate improved. History says that a sharp increase in living standards leads to a demographic explosion. The meager nature of Scandinavia was not able to feed the sharply increased population, especially since in Norway there was generally little suitable land for this.

Since there was no point in splitting up already small plots of land (the land wouldn’t be able to feed everyone anyway), the issue of food shortages became acute. It is believed that this is what prompted the best warriors to look for opportunities to feed themselves in other ways.

Where did the ancient Scandinavians have such deep knowledge of shipping?

The Viking village could not feed all its inhabitants by agriculture. All Scandinavians were forced to become excellent fishermen. The best fishermen were the people of Norway, it was they who contributed huge contribution in the development of Viking shipping.

Since the inhabitants of Scandinavia were often at enmity with each other, they often had clashes at sea. It was in such skirmishes that sailors learned to fight well, because their boats already in the 4th century could accommodate 20 oarsmen, each of whom was a skilled warrior.

Since it was not profitable to rob each other (and what can you get from the same poor Scandinavian, except for the loss of your squad), the Vikings turned their attention to their neighbors who prospered in their rich lands.

Viking village, first campaigns in England

The Vikings' military campaigns began in their villages, where rich jarls gathered warriors for campaigns of conquest. There is no historical document that would reveal the name of the person who made the first trip to England, but one thing is clear - this trip was a reconnaissance trip. After the first successful campaign, others followed. The warriors who remained in the village, seeing what fabulous wealth the brave men had obtained, were eager to go on further campaigns. One such trip could bring such wealth that an ordinary Scandinavian could not earn in a lifetime.

English villages were full of defenseless peasants who, as soon as they saw a Viking ax, rushed to run and did not even think about resisting. Troops English nobility they did not have time to help the peasants, especially since the Viking raids were lightning fast.

Why European states were unable to repel the pagans of the north

A reasonable question arises as to why European kings, having heard about the Vikings for the first time, could not really assess the scale of the threat. Even the Franks, who partially inherited the military secrets and developments of the Romans, possessing fairly serious intelligence, could not resist the wild pagans.

Most likely, Europeans simply initially treated the pagans with disdain, considering them a wild horde of barbarians who could easily be defeated by the troops of European states. The Vikings quickly proved that even the famous knightly cavalry of the Franks, which trampled any enemy into the ground, could not resist the shield wall of the stern admirers of the god Odin. The Europeans quickly developed respect for the fighting skills of the Scandinavians, and when they mastered the languages ​​of the Franks and Angles (at the level of negotiations), they preferred to pay tribute to the Vikings.

The meaning of the word "Viking" and the composition of the Scandinavian Hirds

Scandinavian languages ​​allow you to accurately translate the meaning of the word "Viking". This word consists of two words:

1. "Vic" - meaning bay or bay;
2. “Ing” - which most often meant the tribal affiliation of a certain community of people.

The Viking squads consisted of:

1. Younger sons who were left without land allotment;
2. Poor Scandinavians who initially had no land;
3. Adventurers;
4. Odin's warriors (who were all berserkers and ulfhednars).

In addition, not only Scandinavians could be part of the Hird (Viking squad). Any adventurer who knew how to fight could count on a place in the squad. After several joint battles, if the new team member did not die and showed himself to be a skilled warrior, he was solemnly accepted into the hird - a real brotherhood of warriors.

Viking moral principles

Despite the fact that most of the Vikings were Scandinavians, they did not hesitate to attack not only other nations, but also each other. Viking sagas (often based on historical truth) are full of descriptions of such battles. Most often, Viking attacks on their compatriots were explained by the following reasons:

1. The return of the squad from a successful campaign could provoke an attack by less successful brothers in the craft. One can recall more than one story when several ships united and captured a squad weakened after a successful campaign;
2. Inexperienced Vikings could attack a neighboring village while most of the able-bodied men were sailing away on campaign. These actions helped to better equip your squad and gave the newcomers combat experience;
3. Often the reason for the attack could be blood feud.

Often, even during joint attacks, the Hirds could fight when dividing the spoils if the leader of one of the squads seemed to have been deceived. For a Viking, it was better to die than to suffer such injustice.

Vikings - the first marines in history

It was the Vikings who can be considered the inventors of marine tactics, which have survived practically unchanged to this day. The basis for a successful attack was a lightning attack and an equally quick retreat. The greedy and sluggish Vikings, plundering before the arrival of the royal troops, suffered heavy losses in skirmishes, gaining invaluable experience conducting combat operations.

Although after the 10th century the Vikings became famous as discoverers of new lands, traders and mercenaries at the court of the Byzantine emperor, until the 10th century they were exclusively engaged in robberies, from which all the inhabitants of the European coast trembled in fear. Since longships navigated rivers well, the Vikings easily penetrated deep into the country, robbing the local population.

Viking names

The names of the Vikings may seem funny to modern people. Many scientific works have been written about Scandinavian names. In addition to the names given at birth, each Viking had a nickname. The nickname was given based on any personal qualities of the warrior (for example, One-Eyed or Red) or in honor of some event in the life of this warrior (for example, Leaky Butt or Strangler). It is also interesting that some funny nicknames could be worn even by famous jarls and kings, because it was given for life.

The names themselves most often designated an animal or contained part of the name of a god. The Viking legend Rognar (Warrior of the Gods) was nicknamed “Hairy Pants” because he always wore fur pants with the fur facing out.

Viking kings and their gods

The king of the Vikings was the king. In his absence, the functions of the king could be performed by any noble jarl. It is noteworthy that the Viking king did not have any unlimited power and could be challenged to a duel by any free Scandinavian (although he did not have to fight himself; he could put up a professional fighter in his place). The finale of the duel was considered the will of the gods, and the warrior who defeated the jarl himself took his place.

The supreme god of the Vikings was Odin. Although every Scandinavian thoroughly understood the gods of his pantheon, the Vikings revered Odin and Thor most of all.

Initially, the main weapon of the Vikings was the ax, since it was the cheapest. Experienced warriors acquired swords in battles, although they did not let go of the ax. The standard set of weapons of an experienced Viking looked like this:

1. The spear, which was the constant companion of the battle ax;
2. The Viking sword was a standard Carolingian sword, although there were options with a one-sided sharpening. The sword was owned only by experienced warriors who were able to take it in battle, or rich Vikings who were able to buy such weapons with their own money from blacksmiths or more successful friends in the Hird;
3. Viking axe. It is the ax that is the subject of legends as the main weapon of the Vikings. There were both one-handed axes, for working in tandem with a shield, and heavy “bearded” two-handed axes.

How did the Icelanders appear?

After the king of Norway began to baptize all his subjects, many pagans had to flee to new lands. The discovery of Iceland in 861 could not have come at a better time. Between 872 and 930, up to 30,000 Norwegians moved to Iceland. This island has been able to preserve the traditional Viking faith to this day.

The Vikings were the best warriors of their time. Many rulers of distant lands hired bands of Vikings to protect their lands from enemies. Although the mercenary army of elite fighters was expensive, they did an excellent job of protecting their employers.

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Vikings - who are they? Viking lifestyle. Their history and religion. Viking military art. The Vikings are early medieval Scandinavian sailors who made sea voyages from Vinland to Biarmia and North Africa.

Who are the Vikings?

The English term "Viking" comes from the Old Norse word víkingr, which could have several meanings. The most acceptable, apparently, origin is from the word vík - bay, or bay. Therefore, the word víkingr is translated as "man from the fjord (bay)". The term was used to describe the marauders who took refuge in coastal waters long before the Vikings became notorious in the outside world. However, not all Scandinavians were sea robbers, and the terms “Viking” and “Scandinavian” cannot be considered synonymous. The French usually called the Vikings Normans, and the British indiscriminately classified all Scandinavians as Danes. The Slavs, Khazars, Arabs and Greeks who communicated with the Swedish Vikings called them Rus or Varangians.

Wherever the Vikings went - to the British Isles, France, Spain, Italy or North Africa - they mercilessly plundered and captured foreign lands. In some cases, they settled in conquered countries and became their rulers. Danish Vikings conquered England for some time and settled in Scotland and Ireland. Together they conquered a part of France known as Normandy. The Norwegian Vikings and their descendants created colonies on the North Atlantic islands of Iceland and Greenland and founded a settlement on the coast of Newfoundland in North America, which, however, did not last long. Swedish Vikings began to rule in the eastern Baltic. They spread widely throughout Rus' and, going down the rivers to the Black and Caspian Seas, even threatened Constantinople and some regions of Persia. The Vikings were the last Germanic barbarian conquerors and the first European pioneer seafarers.

There are different interpretations reasons for the violent outbreak of Viking activity in the 9th century. There is evidence that Scandinavia was overpopulated and many Scandinavians went abroad to seek their fortune. The rich but undefended cities and monasteries of their southern and western neighbors were easy prey. There was little chance of resistance from the scattered kingdoms of the British Isles or from Charlemagne's weakened empire, consumed by dynastic strife. During the Viking Age, national monarchies gradually consolidated in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Ambitious leaders and powerful clans fought for power. Defeated leaders and their supporters, as well as the younger sons of victorious leaders, unabashedly embraced unfettered plunder as a way of life. Energetic young men from influential families usually gained prestige through participation in one or more campaigns. Many Scandinavians engaged in robbery in the summer and then turned into ordinary landowners. However, the Vikings were not only attracted by the lure of prey. The prospect of establishing trade opened the way to wealth and power. In particular, immigrants from Sweden controlled trade routes in Rus'.

Viking lifestyle

In their homeland, the Vikings obtained food traditional methods: They cultivated the land, hunted and fished, and raised livestock. And abroad they were most often known as conquerors and robbers, although civilized trade was not alien to them.

Viking peasants were independent, unlike serfs in Russian history. They worked alone or with their family, and regardless of the area of ​​\u200b\u200bcultivable land, they maintained their freedom and were the basis of Scandinavian society. Kinship ties were very important to their society, and when making major decisions, the advice of kin was crucial. The clans protected their good name, and crimes against honor and dignity led to brutal clashes, leading to bloody feuds between entire clans.

Family and home

Women in the family The Vikings played a serious role. Unlike many other countries, they could already own property and make their own decisions about marriage and divorce. Outside the family, their rights were less than those of men, so their participation in public life was insignificant. insignificant.

Food. In Viking times, most people ate two meals a day. The main products were meat, fish and cereal grains. Meat and fish were usually boiled, less often fried. For storage, these products were dried and salted. The cereals used were rye, oats, barley and several types of wheat. Usually porridge was made from their grains, but sometimes bread was baked. Vegetables and fruits were rarely eaten. Drinks consumed were milk, beer, fermented honey drink, and in the upper classes of society - imported wine.

Cloth. Peasant clothing consisted of a long woolen shirt, short baggy pants, stockings and a rectangular cape. Vikings from the upper classes wore long pants, socks and capes in bright colors. Woolen mittens and hats were in use, as well as fur hats and even felt hats. Women from high society usually wore long clothes consisting of a bodice and a skirt. Thin chains hung from the buckles on the clothes, to which scissors and a case for needles, a knife, keys and other small items were attached. Married women they wore their hair in a bun and wore white conical linen caps. U unmarried girls her hair was held back with a ribbon.

Housing. Peasant dwellings were usually simple one-room houses, built either from tightly fitted vertical beams, or more often from wickerwork coated with clay. Wealthy people usually lived in a large rectangular house, which housed numerous relatives.
In heavily forested Scandinavia, such houses were built from wood, often in combination with clay, and in Iceland and Greenland, where wood was scarce, local stone was widely used. There they built walls 90 cm thick or more. Roofs were usually covered with peat. The central living room of the house was low and dark, with a long fireplace in the middle of it. There they cooked, ate and slept. Sometimes inside the house, pillars were installed in a row along the walls to support the roof, and the side rooms fenced off in this way were used as bedrooms.

Literature and art

Literature and art. The Vikings valued skill in battle, but no less revered literature, history and art. Viking literature existed in oral form, and only some time after the end of the Viking Age the first written works appeared. The runic alphabet was then used only for inscriptions on tombstones, for magic spells and short messages. But Iceland has preserved rich folklore. It was recorded at the end of the Viking Age using Latin alphabet scribes who wanted to perpetuate the exploits of their ancestors.

Among the treasures of Icelandic literature are the long prose narratives known as sagas. They are divided into three main types. In the most important, so-called family sagas describe real characters from the Viking Age. Several dozen family sagas have survived, five of them are comparable in volume to large novels. The other two types are historical sagas, telling of the Norse kings and the settlement of Iceland, and late Viking Age fictional adventure sagas, reflecting the influence of the Byzantine Empire and India. Another major prose work to emerge from Iceland is the Prose Edda, a collection of myths recorded by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian and politician 13th century

Poetry was held in high esteem by the Vikings. Icelandic hero and adventurer Egil Skallagrimsson was as proud of his title as a poet as he was of his achievements in battle. Improvisational poets (skalds) sang the virtues of jarls (leaders) and princes in complex poetic stanzas. Much simpler than the poetry of the skalds were songs about the gods and heroes of the past, preserved in the collection known as the Elder Edda.

Vikings in brief

Submissions modern man about the Vikings are largely wrong. We are sure that the Vikings, in short, are huge bearded warriors with horned helmets on their heads. It's not like that at all. This image is inspired by films and books that have nothing to do with historical reality. Who are they, Vikings?
This was the name given to the Scandinavian sailors inhabiting the territory of such modern countries as Denmark, Sweden and Norway. IN different countries they were called differently: Vikings, Normans, Varangians.
From the 8th to the 11th centuries, for 300 years, the Vikings, in short, terrified the peoples of England, France and other countries. What reasons forced previously peaceful traders and farmers to become sea robbers?

There were several good reasons for this:
1. Overpopulation. Many free Vikings set sail for a new life.
2. The collapsed empire of Charlemagne, the main enemy of the northern peoples, was a tasty prey.
3. At this time, the Vikings began the process of strengthening the nobility, and military leaders needed rich booty to maintain their power.
The raids were also facilitated by the fact that the Vikings, living in the territory bordering the sea, were excellent navigators and were able to create the best ships for those times. Low-set, small in size, they had amazing maneuverability and speed. They were light and could be pulled onto land anywhere. On such ships, the Vikings made long voyages and even reached North America. By the way, they easily passed along rivers.

The Vikings had two types of ships. The fighting ones were called drakars, and the trading ones were called knorrs. Drakars could carry up to 100 people. Written sources preserve descriptions of the huge ships of these sea robbers, but there was no evidence of this until a 37-meter ship accommodating 200 people was found in Denmark in 1997.
Starting with raids on monasteries in England and France, the Vikings reached Spain, Kyiv and Constantinople. In the 9th century in Kyiv, two of them, Askold and Dir, were called to princely rule.
The Vikings were not only excellent warriors, but also pioneers of new lands. They discovered Iceland and settled it. Their ships visited Greenland and reached North America. The Vikings called it Vinland (land of grapes) and tried to colonize it. Although this question for a long time was considered controversial among scientists, in the end, it was decided that it was the Vikings who were the first to discover North America in the year 1000.
By the 11th century, with the establishment of the feudal system and the transition to a sedentary lifestyle, Viking raids on other territories gradually ceased.

Who were the Vikings and why was everyone afraid of them? You will learn where the Vikings lived in this article.

Where did the Vikings live?

The period of the 8th-11th centuries is rightly called the Viking era. But who are they, these warlike people? The Vikings, or as they were also called the Normans, belonged to a group of northern peoples who came from Scandinavia.

Modern countries where the Vikings lived are Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Vikings lived in coastal areas, so their life and way of life in general are closely connected with the sea. Even the origin of the name means "dwellers of the gulf coast." Although in others foreign countries these warriors were called by other names. For example, in Spain they were called madhus, which in the local language means “pagan monsters”; in Ireland the Vikings were called Finngalls, that is, “bright strangers”; in France, Northmanns or Norsmanns - “people from the north.”

They instilled fear and horror in their closest neighbors, and then throughout Western Europe. And all because of frequent campaigns for the purpose of robbery and robbery, where the people gained fame as cruel warriors. So, from the end of the 8th century, the Vikings for the first time left their native lands in search of new territories rich in food and fertile lands. The detachments quickly attacked other countries, killed people, robbed and burned cities, stole food, livestock and other property. That is why the Vikings became famous as cruel and ruthless robbers.

For many years they carried out raids along the northern coast of France and the British Isles. As a result, Viking settlements appeared on the coasts of Scotland, Ireland and England in the 9th century. Moreover, in 1013 and 1016, under the leadership of the leaders Sven Forkbeard and Knut the Great, they managed to capture all of England, albeit for some time.