If you think that the Vikings were violent people, you’d be surprised. The Vikings lived in many countries and were able to reach the Americas over 500 years before Christopher Columbus. The Vikings used honey as a sweetener, which is still used today, and made mead, a sweet alcoholic drink. Vikings were also avid skiers, and archaeological evidence shows that they had developed rudimentary skis at least 6,000 years ago. In fact, they were so skilled in skiing that they even used them to get around the area, and skiing was even considered a leisure activity.
Despite their rough appearance, Vikings were incredibly hardy and could survive virtually anything. Their fierce warrior nature was matched only by their ability to survive the long war. They were also well-equipped for battle. Although many Vikings were raiders, many others settled peacefully in other countries and engaged in farming. The term “viking” originally referred to a warrior who raided or killed but was this title always deserved?
As a people, Vikings also had a culture that embraced women. They lived alongside their men and had more freedom than other women in their day. They could divorce their husbands and inherit their property. And because of their pagan beliefs, they had more freedom than most women at that time. If they did not have brothers, they could inherit their parents’ property.
Many areas of the UK have unique links to viking heritage. Most Vikings settled in the north and east of England, while some made it to Scotland and settled in the Shetlands and Orkney. There is even a strong viking heritage in the seaside resort of Largs. Find out more about Things to do in Largs by visiting a site like Local things to do
The Vikings were skilled at building ships and they were famous for their shipbuilding. They were passionate seafarers and adventurers and adapted their ship designs to local climates. Eventually, Viking longships became the standard for other cultures. So, there’s no wonder why they were such great seafarers.
The Vikings lived in the Scandinavian countries from the 8th century until the 11th century and developed a tradition of seafaring. They spread their culture around the world, and eventually settled in the Americas and Russia. Even today, the remnants of viking civilization can be found in eastern Russia and the Baltics. You might be surprised by what you discover!