-
Danegeld: The Vikings' sword-powered tax system
Long before Don Corleone made people an offer they couldn't refuse, the Vikings were in the extortion racket. The Danegeld – a form of tax or protection money – was extracted, by the point of a sword – by Vikings from the Baltic to the Black Sea, from the British Isles to Baghdad.1 month ago — Trade -
The Viking history of France: Part 1
For much of the Viking Age (c. 750 – 1100 CE), the realm of the Franks (comprising much of modern-day France and beyond) was a rich prize, often at the mercy of Viking raids.1 month ago — History -
Who were the greatest travelers of the Viking Age?
From Ragnar Lothbrok to Harald Hardrada, Jonathan Bennett takes a look at the finest, most adventurous (and luckiest) Viking explorers in history.2 months ago — History -
What you need to know about Halfdan Ragnarsson and the Viking invasions of the British Isles
While academics may agree that the "Great Heathen Army" was never one single army, the Viking invasions of the British Isles from the mid-9th century CE remain one of the most consequential eras in British history.5 months ago — History -
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.5 months ago — History -
Top 5: Who were the most elite Viking warriors?
Viking warriors spread terror, fear, and bloodshed throughout most of Europe during the early medieval period. Their supposed appetite for violence was matched only by their thirst for loot and treasure.11 months ago — History -
Who was Åslaug Sigurdsdatter, the mythical Norse queen?
Hundreds of years before Charles Perrault penned his version of Cinderella, a similar story appeared in the Norse sagas. Appearing in 3 separate Norse sagas, Åslaug Sigurdsdatter was said to be a queen and sorceress whose life was full of magic, myth, and mayhem.1 year ago — History -
Who was Ubba Ragnarsson, the Viking commander of the Great Heathen Army?
During the 9th century, a series of Viking armies swept across the seas and invaded Anglo-Saxon England. These armies were made up of warriors from Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Northern Europe and were skilfully led, or so the legend goes, by Ubba Ragnarsson.1 year ago — History -
Who was Björn Ironside, the legendary Norse Viking Chief?
When your father is a famous Viking warrior and legendary hero, chances are you may also be a fierce warrior. Björn Ironside was said to have led a colorful and violent life, raiding and battling his way from the Orkney Islands in the north to Sicily in the south.1 year ago — History -
Who was Lagertha, legendary Viking shield-maiden and wife of Ragnar Lothbrok?
So often in history, women’s voices and stories are silenced and non-existent. Not so for the fierce Viking warrior and one-time wife of Ragnar Lothbrok, Lagertha.1 year ago — History
