Viking: Relics from the Legendary Norse Seafarers (793CE - 1066CE)
Embark on a journey with our collection of genuine Viking artifacts. Experience the legacy of the fierce Norse warriors, explorers, and settlers who left an indelible mark on Europe and beyond.
The Vikings - synonymous with horned helmets, longships, and tales of exploration and conquest. Hailing from the Nordic lands, the Vikings were not just raiders but also traders, settlers, and poets, whose sagas and exploits have been immortalized in history and legend.
Key Contributions:
- Exploration and Settlement: The Vikings ventured far and wide, discovering Greenland, reaching North America, and establishing settlements from the British Isles to as far as Russia.
- Shipbuilding: Their iconic longships, with their shallow drafts and symmetrical bows, were masterpieces of naval engineering, allowing for both oceanic and riverine navigation.
- Runes and Sagas: The Vikings had their own alphabet, the runic script, and their sagas—epic tales of heroes, gods, and adventures—are treasured literary classics.
- Art and Craftsmanship: Viking art, characterized by intricate patterns and motifs, adorned everything from jewelry to weapons. Their metalwork, especially in silver and bronze, showcased their exceptional craftsmanship.
Regions: The Vikings, originating from Scandinavia, had influence and established settlements in various regions:
- Scandinavia: Comprising modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, it was the heartland of the Viking world.
- British Isles: Vikings established settlements in parts of Scotland, Ireland, and England, known as the Danelaw.
- Iceland and Greenland: Discovered and settled by Norse explorers, these lands became crucial parts of the Viking world.
- Rus': Vikings, known as the Varangians, ventured into modern-day Russia and Ukraine, establishing trade routes and settlements.
Valued Materials: The Vikings, with their warrior ethos and appreciation for artistry, valued various materials:
- Iron: Used extensively for weapons, especially their famed swords and axes.
- Silver: Employed in jewelry, coins, and hoards, often buried for safekeeping or as offerings to the gods.
- Bone and Antler: Used for everyday items, including combs, buttons, and game pieces.
- Wood: Carved into intricate objects, from ship figureheads to religious idols.
Relevant Time Periods: The Viking Age, marked by exploration, raiding, and settlement, spans several centuries:
- Early Viking Age (c. 793–850 AD): Beginning with the raid on Lindisfarne, it saw initial Viking expeditions to the British Isles.
- Middle Viking Age (c. 850–950 AD): Marked by extensive raids, trade, and the establishment of settlements across Europe.
- Late Viking Age (c. 950–1066 AD): Characterized by increased Christianization, the establishment of kingdoms in Scandinavia, and culminating in the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.
Dive into our curated collection of Viking artifacts, each resonating with tales of jarls, skalds, and the old Norse gods. From rune-inscribed amulets to ornate brooches, embrace the legacy of the seafarers from the North.