Viking: Did you mean...?

Viking weight comprised of lead and topped with a penny of Aethelred I (r. 865-871 CE). Acquired in 1991 near Wareham (Dorset). (British Museum, London)

An artist's impression of a Viking fleet at sea. (From the PC game Total War: Thrones of Britannia by The Creative Assembly)

Norse-Viking culture is frequently misrepresented in popular media which emphasizes the rugged, militaristic aspect of the people. In reality, Norse culture placed a high value on appearance, personal hygiene, and religious devotion, creating...

The Vikings did not use fishing reels or poles. Instead, they tied hooks to a fishing line made from sheep, cow, or walrus intestines, then pulled the fish up by hand. On a small rowing boat out on the open ocean, this was a very dangerous...

Bone/antler comb from Björkö, Adelsö, Uppland, Sweden. The Swedish History Museum, Stockholm.

A 10th Century CE steel sword, likely made in Scandinavia. The high quality of the pattern-welded steel blade, and beautiful decoration on the hilt, indicates that it was owned by a high status warrior. Steel blade, decorated with copper...

Gilt copper alloy oval brooch is composed of two pieces dating from the 10th century and found in Norrtälje, Sweden. The British Museum, London. The first piece is an upper shell with cast animal interlace decoration and four bird head...

Rollo (l. c.860-c.930 CE, r. 911-927 CE) was a Viking chieftain who became the founder and first ruler of the region of Normandy. He converted to Christianity as part of a deal with the Frankish king Charles the Simple (893-923 CE) in 911...

Alfred the Great (r. 871-899 CE) was the king of Wessex in Britain but came to be known as King of the Anglo-Saxons after his military victories over Viking adversaries and later successful negotiations with them. He is the best-known Anglo-Saxon...

Charles the Simple (Charles III of France, l. 879-929 CE, r. 893-923 CE) was king of West Francia (roughly modern-day France) toward the end of the period of Viking raids in the region. His epithet `the simple' refers to his habit of being...