While they may not have looked like the tall, blonde fur-clad men in Game of Thrones, Vikings are on the way to becoming modern-day Hollywood pretty boys. Everyone seems to be fascinated with these sea-faring Norwegian raiders.
While the fantasy creatures of Game of Thrones may be based on actual historical Viking facts, what was a real Viking like? What were their homes like, what did they eat, and what were the most essential things in their lives?
We have gathered five coolest Viking facts to help you separate the facts from the fiction.
5 Viking Facts You Need to Know
The Vikings were a sea-faring people living in Scandinavia during the late 8th to early 11th centuries. Here are a few Viking facts that you may need to learn about.
1. They Were Master Explorers
The Viking Age is commonly associated with masterful exploration, as these early explorers traveled far and wide across Northern Europe, Asia, and eventually North America. Vikings left their mark on the continent with their journeys, often settling in the places they explored and trading with locals.
Many of the scientific and technological advances of the time were developed by the Vikings during their travels. These include navigation and sailing technologies.
2. They Are Great Engineers
The Viking culture was filled with a wide variety of great engineers, traditionally known as skalds. Skalds were highly skilled in multiple engineering fields, such as shipbuilding, metal craft, lighthouse construction, house construction, jewelry crafting, and textile manufacturing.
The Vikings were also highly skilled metal craft workers. They created intricate metal items, such as jewelry and weaponry.
A unique forge primarily did their metalworking. This allowed them to create metal items with precision that was hitherto unheard of.
3. They Have Excellent Hygiene
The Vikings had excellent hygiene compared to other ancient cultures of the period. They believed cleanliness was essential for maintaining a healthy life, so they developed practices to promote cleanliness in their daily lives.
They regularly bathed, clipped their fingernails, and removed body hair. They also used clean fabrics to wrap around their bodies to help keep them warm and dry.
4. They Have Unique Gears
Swords, spears, shields, arm rings, and helmets were common Viking armaments and first appeared as early as the 6th century. Viking armor was usually made of leather and animal hide but eventually developed into a metal helmet, mail, and plates that offered an excellent defense.
Viking arm rings were also a prominent symbol of Viking culture and heritage. The history of Viking arm ring dated back to the 8th Century AD and were worn as jewelry to show wealth and power. These arm rings typically featured runic symbols and engraved figures of gods and mythical creatures.
5. They Are Slave Traders
The Vikings engaged in slave raids for economic gain. They raided small, rural villages and kidnapped and forced their slaves into trading. Enslaved people were mainly treated as mere property, and better-off Vikings owned several of them.
Explore the World of Vikings!
Vikings were strong and captivating people. They are remembered today for their abilities in warfare and exploration. They were also skilled traders and travelers, shaping the history and culture of much of Europe.
Knowing these Viking facts can provide insight into their fascinating culture and accomplishments. Be sure to research more about Vikings and their impact on society to understand their legacy better.
What are you waiting for? Explore the world of Vikings today!
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