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Beyond Birka: Viking sites around Lake Mälaren that shaped Swedish history
Lake Mälaren is seen as the cradle of the nascent Swedish state. Here, amongst the lake's surroundings, are some of the Scandinavian nation's most important economic, political, and religious sites of the early medieval period.1 year ago — History -
Styrbjörn the Strong: Viking chieftain or literary creation?
Whilst he may have been related to two early medieval kings of Sweden, Styrbjörn wasn't exactly a family man. He is said to have led a rebellion against his own family, ultimately falling in an act of betrayal.1 year ago — History -
From myth to monarchy: Heimskringla and the legacy of Viking rulers
Shedding light on medieval history, the Heimskringla is a collection of sagas that combine historical facts, fantasy, and tall tales in an entertaining manner.2 years ago — Partner content -
From Jerusalem to Uppsala: Why Sweden rejected paganism for Christianity
The reign of Swedish King Olof Skötkonung was a historical pivot for the nascent Scandinavian kingdom that saw the transition from pagan beliefs to the worship of the new Christian religion. Why did Sweden reject the old gods for Jesus, and who benefitted from this spiritual paradigm shift?2 years ago — Partner content -
Vikings and Christianity: European experiences in East and West
In 1054, the Great Schism fractured Christian Europe, dividing the largely Roman Catholic West and the predominantly Orthodox East. However, for much of the early medieval period, deep divisions were already evident between Rome and Constantinople, the two centers of power in the Christian world.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
How Cnut the Great conquered England at the Battle of Assandun
After over 250 years of Viking raids, conquests, and battles, Cnut the Great finally seized the English throne after his victory over the Anglo-Saxon King Edmund Ironside. This victory marked a new era of Viking dominance on the British Isles and would lay the foundations for the Norman Conquest.2 years ago — Warfare -
Thorkell the Tall: Jomsviking chief, Viking lord, and Jarl of East Anglia
A key military leader and literal kingmaker was the Viking warlord Thorkell the Tall. As formidable on the battlefield as in the dirty game of political machinations, Thorkell's legacy is as monumental as his physical stature.2 years ago — History -
Tracing the Eastern voyages of Ingvar the Far-Traveled, a legendary Viking adventurer
The Swedish Viking who ventured to Eastern lands among treacherous kings and beautiful, hospitable queens.2 years ago — History -
The Battle of Stiklestad: The most consequential battle in Norwegian history
According to legend, a battle near a farm in Stiklestad, Norway, saw the fall of a Norwegian King who fought for Christianity. He was later recognized as a saint. His younger half-brother managed to escape death but would go on to seize the crown years later.2 years ago — History -
Olof Skötkonung: The Viking king who embraced Christianity and shaped medieval Sweden
Reigning at the threshold between the early and middle medieval periods, between the widespread worship of the Old Norse religion and the advent of Christianity in Sweden, was Olof Skötkonung, a famed Viking king.2 years ago — History
