Jonathan Williamson
176
articles
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How did Swedish Viking King Björn Ironside die?
Björn Ironside, the son of Ragnar Lothbrok, was a skilled military strategist and legendary Viking king. This is the story of his demise.23 hours ago — History -
Opinion: How extremists and other thugs are soiling the Vikings' legacy
You would have thought that in today's age, where the entire combined knowledge of the world is available with a click, swipe, or a simple voice command, people would know their history a little better. Yet they don't.2 days ago — Legacy -
Did you know that chess was introduced to Norway in the late Viking Age?
For a country that spends almost half the year in seemingly bitter cold and darkness, it should be no surprise that indoor intellectual hobbies, like the game of chess, excel in Norway.3 days ago — History -
Runriket: What you need to know about the Rune Kingdom in Sweden
Between the 4th and 13th centuries CE, thousands of runestones were raised in Viking societies throughout Northern Europe.5 days ago — History -
The murder of a Norse god: Who killed Baldur?
The story of who killed Baldur, ripped from the Norse sagas, reveals that even before the "Nordic Noir" crime boom of the past two decades, Nordic peoples loved a good murder mystery...1 week ago — Culture and religion -
Who were the Earls of Lade, Norway's mighty kingmakers?
The Earls of Lade not only dominated the Northern trade route (from which Norway takes its name) but also were involved in the courtly politics of power and kingmaking.1 week ago — History -
Who are the Vanir in Norse mythology?
Like Viking warriors themselves, the Norse gods were also in a constant state of battle. They were divided into two groups - the Æsir and the Vanir.1 week ago — Culture and religion -
All you need to know about the Great Heathen Army
Vikings raided British coasts in 789 CE, but in 865 CE, a large force arrived with the goal of conquering all Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and taking over "Englaland." This was the Great Heathen Army, and its arrival had a significant impact on European history.1 week ago — History -
What you need to know about the famous Viking runemaster Ulf of Borresta
Thanks to several runestones dotted throughout Sweden and England, we know of the very human deeds of Ulf of Borresta.1 week ago — History -
The Viking history of Turkey: A primer
Turkey, at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and commerce for thousands of years, has a surprisingly robust history of interaction, violent and non-violent, with people from Viking societies.2 weeks ago — History