How Old Are the Vikings in Vikings?

The term 'Vikings' can be quite misleading when it comes to the TV series 'Vikings.' It's a common misconception that the show offers an accurate depiction of the historical Viking Age. As of January 2022, the Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team in the National Football League (NFL), named after the historical Norse seafarers known as Vikings. However, the show 'Vikings' primarily focuses on the lives and battles of Nordic warriors and their exploration beyond Scandinavia.

The Viking Age: An Exciting Era in History

The Viking Age is a period that lasted from the late 8th century to the early 11th century, making it a crucial time in European history. This era is characterized by the activities of Norse seafarers who embarked on numerous expeditions, exploring new lands, and carrying out significant trade and conquests. These Norsemen were known for their exceptional seafaring skills, warrior culture, and vast trading networks.

The Key Dates of the Viking Age

The Viking Age can be traced back to 793 AD with the earliest recorded raids by Norsemen on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in England. This event marked the beginning of what many scholars consider the start of the sustained Danish invasion of England. From 793 to 1066, the Norsemen significantly impacted the regions of Britain and France, establishing trading posts and colonies.

Notable Events of the Viking Age

One of the most significant events during this period was the sacking of the Lindisfarne Monastery in 793 AD. This brutal raid, carried out by Viking raiders, was a turning point that instigated a period of intense activity from the Norse explorers. The invasion saw many monks put to the sword and treasures plundered from the monastery. Another significant event was the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, which marked the end of major Viking activity in Britain. Here, the Anglo-Saxon King Harold defeated the last great Viking king, Harald Hardrada of Norway, marking the end of the Viking Age in Britain.

Key Figures of the Viking Age

Some of the most notable figures during the Viking Age include figures such as Harald Hardrada (also known as Harold Hardraei or Haakon Haraldsson), who was a Norwegian king and the last major Viking who invaded England. Additionally, Hakon I of Norway, King of Norway from 930 to 955, was a prominent ruler during the Viking Age, known for his efforts to unite Norway under a central monarchy.

Trade Networks and Cultural Impact

Beyond military conquests, the Vikings were also notable for their extensive trade networks. These networks reached as far as the Byzantine Empire and even the Islamic Caliphates. The Vikings established port cities and trading posts, which facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between different cultures. Their influence extended into art, literature, and language, leaving a lasting legacy on the cultures they interacted with.

Conclusion

The Viking Age was a fascinating period that marked the beginning of modern European history. While the television series 'Vikings' offers engaging storytelling, it's important to understand that the show is fictionalized and not entirely reflective of historical events. Nonetheless, the period itself is rich with detailed and well-documented historical records that provide insights into the lives and accomplishments of these brave and innovative seafarers.