How far did the Vikings expand their influence?
Places of Exploration:
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The Vikings explored many areas of Europe and even sailed as far as Russia, Turkey and even North America. Originating from Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), vast numbers of the group ventured into the open seas between the eighth and eleventh centuries. Their attack on Northumbria, England in 793 A.D marked the beginning of the 'Viking Age'. From then on they conquered the rest of England, Scotland and Ireland, and also crossed the channel to invade areas of France, particularly Normandy. From there, they explored the country now known as Iceland followed by Greenland. Although the Vikings had great success in these areas, they didn't limit their travels to just northern Europe. The Vikings set sail across the north Atlantic Ocean happening upon America, 400 years before Christopher Columbus, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Norsemen also eventually drifted down south into Spain and the Mediterranean, although unsuccessful, as well as Africa. Finally, they explored east to find Russia and Turkey. Overall, the Vikings were incredibly successful in their explorations, influencing most of the world. If they didn't influence a country with raids or invasions, they were impacted through their network of trade routes which linked Europe to countries as far as China.
The Norsemen also eventually drifted down south into Spain and the Mediterranean, although unsuccessful, as well as Africa. Finally, they explored east to find Russia and Turkey. Overall, the Vikings were incredibly successful in their explorations, influencing most of the world. If they didn't influence a country with raids or invasions, they were impacted through their network of trade routes which linked Europe to countries as far as China.
ABOVE: This video by history.com further explains the Vikings explorations as well as give insight into how they acted as people and their traditions as a group.
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BELOW: This image displays the places in which the Vikings explored throughout the ninth, tenth and eleventh centuries. The star clearly demonstrates their place of origin and the arrows symbolize the voyages which they undertook around the world.
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Places of Influence:
Through the Vikings many invasions, their culture began to spread. One of their most significant places of invasion, Great Britain was greatly impacted by the Norsemen. The Vikings gained political dominance over most parts of the region, caused the emergence of two kingdoms, England and Scotland, as well as the disappearance of the kingdom of the Picts. Likewise, at one point in time England was even ruled by Danish kings (King Cnut and his sons-1016 to 1042). Furthermore, the Vikings caused England to develop a sophisticated taxation system for that time period and most importantly created the area in northern England known as Danelaw. In Danelaw, the people followed Viking laws, spoke Viking languages and lived the life of a Viking. In Scotland, the Vikings ruled the north and founded the city of Dublin in Ireland. Also, the Vikings made a major influence on numerous monasteries in Europe since when they attacked they often raided the monasteries, stripping them of their beauty and wealth.
If the Vikings didn't personally invade a region, they most likely influenced it through trade. The Vikings are known for establishing a incredible network of trade routes which spanned from modern Europe to Russia and the Middle East and even to Northern India and China. The Vikings were known to buy goods such as silver, silk, spices, wine, glass, pottery and jewellery and sell items such as honey, tin, wheat, wool, wood, iron, fur, leather, fish and ivory as well as sell and buy slaves.
Overall, the Vikings made a major impact on countries all over the world and much influence is even still found in the modern day. IN Iceland their language, place names, government and jury system still very much reflect the Viking way of life.
If the Vikings didn't personally invade a region, they most likely influenced it through trade. The Vikings are known for establishing a incredible network of trade routes which spanned from modern Europe to Russia and the Middle East and even to Northern India and China. The Vikings were known to buy goods such as silver, silk, spices, wine, glass, pottery and jewellery and sell items such as honey, tin, wheat, wool, wood, iron, fur, leather, fish and ivory as well as sell and buy slaves.
Overall, the Vikings made a major impact on countries all over the world and much influence is even still found in the modern day. IN Iceland their language, place names, government and jury system still very much reflect the Viking way of life.
ABOVE: The image above clearly displays the trade routes the Vikings established. The blue dotted line symbolizes the routes which were used and one can see the far distances which they spanned.
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BELOW: The image below shows the area of England known as 'Danelaw'. The region which is highlighted in brown was known as Danelaw and was inhabited by the Vikings.
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Did they settle in the places they invaded?
Overall, the Vikings explored and invaded about twelve different regions but although they raided these areas, they didn't necessarily stay there for long periods of time and build settlements. The Norsemen actually only established settlements in about seven different regions and some were only for short periods. The most established Viking colonies were those in Great Britain. As mentioned above, they held a large region of England known as Danelaw and they also colonised the Northern Isles and districts along the coast of Ireland. Likewise, in about 930 AD the Vikings sailed to Iceland where they set up the first parliament, known as 'Athling'. Later, an Iceland Viking, Erik the Red, travelled to Greenland in 982 AD to explore and came back in 985 AD with numerous colonists who established settlements. Finally, the Vikings had a well maintained colony in Normandy, France as well as Canada. Unlike Normandy, the settlements in North America didn't last long. A colony was established in the area of Newfoundland, Canada but was short lived due to arguments which began with the natives. In conclusion, the Vikings invaded many regions in numerous continents but were only successful in creating settlements in places in northern Europe, reasonably close to their place of origin.
Places of Invasion vs. Places of Settlements
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