Viking Cruises

5 Fascinating Facts ABOUT THE VIKINGS The Vikings, seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia, have captured the imagination of historians and storytellers alike for centuries. S U M M E R I S S U E 2 5 viking.com | 47 The original Vikings were extraordinary explorers who achieved astonishing feats, pushing the boundaries of travel and discovery for more than 300 years. Much of our inspiration is drawn from the ancient Vikings and we are proud to be a company that has made exploring an art form. From their adventurous expeditions to their complex societal structures, the Vikings were far more than just explorers . The Viking's advanced navigation skills and contributions to trade and culture left a lasting impact on history. By understanding their true complexity, we can appreciate the Vikings not only as adventurers but as contributors to the broader story of human civilisation. Here are five intriguing facts about these legendary figures. VIKINGS WERE NOT A UNIFIED GROUP Contrary to popular belief, the term "Viking" doesn't refer to a specific ethnic group or kingdom. Instead, it was a term used to describe activities, particularly raiding and trading, conducted by Norsemen. The Vikings hailed from current day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and were made up of various tribes and communities with their own leaders and customs. THEY WERE SKILLED NAVIGATORS Vikings were master sailors and navigators, exploring far beyond their Scandinavian homeland. Their ships, known as longships—of which our European river fleet is named after—were ingeniously designed to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers, allowing them to reach destinations as far afield as North America, the Middle East and Central Asia. Leif Erikson, a notable Viking explorer, is credited with being the first European to set foot in North America, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. VIKING SOCIETY VALUED DEMOCRACY While the stereotype often depicts Vikings as chaotic marauders, their society had structured systems of governance. Vikings held assemblies known as "things," which functioned as early forms of democratic meetings where free men could gather to settle disputes, pass laws and make decisions. These gatherings showcased a surprising level of organization and fairness in Viking culture. VIKING WOMEN HELD SIGNIFICANT POWER Viking women enjoyed a level of freedom and respect that was rare in medieval Europe. They could own property, inherit land and initiate divorce. Women often managed farms and households while the men were away on voyages. Some women, such as the legendary "shieldmaidens," even took up arms and fought alongside men, though the extent of this practice is still debated among historians. THEY HAD A MODERN APPROACH TO LIFE While Vikings are often remembered for their raids, they were also traders, farmers, and craftsmen. They established thriving trade networks across Europe and beyond, exchanging goods such as furs, amber, and weapons for silver, silk, and spices. The Viking Age (approximately 793–1066 AD) was as much about exploration and cultural exchange as it was about conquest.

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