Viking

Vikings where a group of people from Scandinavia (Mainly Norway, but also Denmark and Sweden) who where most known for their raids conducted on the British Isles, France and other parts of Europe during the 8th to 11th century. The word 'Viking' is believed to be Old Norse for "Belonging to a Creek" In other words, you might say "That man is a Viking, of the sea, a seafaring person" The earliest record of a Viking raid is 787 when mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This would start a period of 200 years referred to as the "Viking Age" Vikings had a large impact on the areas of Scotland, Ireland, Northen England, France, Spain and even controlling areas of Russia and the Mediterranean. Viking explorers colonized such places as Shetland, Iceland, Greenland and the famous Newfoundland 1000 A.D. The decline of Viking Civilization is believed to have been brought about by the introduction of Christianity in the 11th century. The death of their great King, Harald Hardraada in 1066 at the Battle of Stamford Bridge is also a factor, virtually ending all expeditions. Despite the modern view, Vikings did NOT wear horned helmets. It is believed this view steemed from the Scandinavian Brozne Age (Some 2000 years before) where horned helmets where used in ceremonies.