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Were Vikings scared of volcanoes?
The image of a Viking fearing anything, let alone a volcano, is in stark contrast to the popular image of these brawny early medieval warriors.4 weeks ago -
How did Vikings make sails?
We all know that Vikings sailed the world, from Newfoundland in modern-day Canada to what was then Constantinople, from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and almost everywhere in between.2 months ago -
From "house" bears to peacocks, these are some of the most exotic Viking pets
The Vikings often have a bad rap for being mindless barbarians, only interested in satisfying their greed and more carnal pleasures. Yet one of the more interesting aspects of people in Viking societies is that they loved exotic pets.2 months ago -
Why did practically every Viking own a whetstone?
When emptying the water out of an old quarry in Trøndelag, Norway, in the late 19th century, there were hopes of finding a treasure of some sort. However, what they actually found was a large number of stones.2 months ago -
What you need to know about Hnefatafl, the 1,000-year-old Viking board game
Somewhat against the common stereotype, Viking warriors also used their brains just as much as their brawn. The board game, Hnefatafl, an abstract strategy game, was played by people in Viking societies from Scandinavia to Scotland and Russia.2 months ago -
Everything you need to know about Viking houses
The domestic world of the Vikings is little studied, let alone understood. However, Viking houses, from magnificent stone monuments in Oslo to the turf longhouses in Newfoundland, Canada, help us unlock the intricate social dynamics of a Viking family.3 months ago -
What you need to know about betrothals in the Viking Age
The Vikings' betrothal can be likened to today's engagement practices, yet the two are starkly different.3 months ago -
How did the process of divorce work in the Viking Age?
While Vikings considered marriages important for business and alliance purposes, ending them was relatively easy.3 months ago