The Viking World
Raiders, traders, explorers, and settlers of the medieval north
Who Were the Vikings?
The Vikings were tough Scandinavian warriors who raided and terrorized Europe during the Viking Age. They spoke the same language, Old Norse, across Scandinavia, but there was never a single unified Viking nation. Instead, power was held by many local chieftains, princes, and kings who ruled through conquest, alliances, and reputation.
Historians usually distinguish between Danish and Norwegian Vikings, who focused on western Europe, and Swedish Vikings, who travelled east. Danish and Norwegian Vikings raided England, Ireland, and Scotland, and later ventured to Iceland, Greenland, and even North America. Swedish Vikings pushed along the rivers of eastern Europe, reaching modern-day Russia and beyond.
The name Russia is widely believed to derive from the Swedish Viking group known as the Rus or Ruser, highlighting the lasting influence of Viking expansion.
Western Vikings
Danish and Norwegian Vikings concentrated their raids, trade, and settlements in western Europe and the North Atlantic.
- England, Ireland, and Scotland
- Iceland and Greenland
- Vinland (North America)
Eastern Vikings
Swedish Vikings travelled east through river systems, trading, raiding, and settling across eastern Europe.
- Modern-day Russia
- The Baltic region
- Byzantine trade routes
Viking Society and Daily Life
Social Structure
- • Kings and chieftains
- • Freemen (farmers, craftsmen, warriors)
- • Thralls (slaves)
Family and Community
Viking society was built around family, honor, and reputation. Children learned skills early, and both men and women played important roles in maintaining households and farms.
Warriors and Warfare
Vikings were feared warriors known for swift raids, strong shields, axes, spears, and swords. Warfare was not constant, but reputation in battle brought honor and power.
Learn more about Viking warfare →Gods and Beliefs
Vikings worshipped many gods, including Odin, Thor, and Frey. Religion shaped daily life, law, warfare, and ideas of death and the afterlife.
Explore Norse beliefs →Art, Craft, and Seafaring
Beyond raiding, Vikings were skilled shipbuilders, craftsmen, traders, and artists. Their longships allowed them to travel vast distances, while their jewellery, weapons, and carvings reveal a rich artistic tradition.