-
Why did the Vikings fail to create a lasting empire?
How did people from Viking societies not carve out an empire of their own following their early medieval outward expansion?10 months ago — History -
Who was Leif Erikson really? Hero, explorer, or just a settler?
With a legacy spanning over a millennium, Leif Erikson's reputation has evolved over the centuries. Was he merely a lucky early medieval explorer, or was he the first in a line of heroic Europeans who crossed the Atlantic to forge new lives in the New World?11 months ago — History -
5 surprising places the Vikings reached
Despite their historical reputation as producing some of the most ravenous warriors of the early medieval period, people from Viking societies were also skilled explorers. They traversed much of the Northern Hemisphere, from the shores of modern-day Canada to the eastern edge of the Caspian Sea.1 year ago — History -
The ordinary Viking sailor: Skills, risks, and pay
People from Viking societies are rightly championed as some of the most impressive and skilled seafarers ever to have taken to the high seas. Whilst Viking warriors leaping off longships may get all the historical spotlight, the majority aboard were skilled sailors first and foremost.1 year ago — History -
Birgitta Wallace: A pioneering Viking Age archeologist remembered
The Swedish-Canadian archeologist was instrumental in the establishment of L'Anse aux Meadows as the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America.1 year ago — News -
The Northern Passage: Did the Vikings sail the Barents Sea?
Renowned for their exploratory and maritime skills, what do we know about people from Viking societies who sailed in the frozen waters of the Barents Sea?1 year ago — History -
Why didn't the Vikings colonize North America?
We know that people from Viking societies colonized a small sliver of North America around the turn of the 11th century. Reaching the New World almost half a millennium before Christopher Columbus, what led to this settlement being short-lived and not the springboard for further expansion?1 year ago — History -
Viking encounters with Indigenous peoples: From the Sámi to Vinland
People from Viking societies encountered a wide range of Indigenous peoples throughout their travels during the early medieval period. These were often the first encounters these people had with Europeans centuries before the "Age of Exploration" kicked off Europe's thirst for conquest.1 year ago — History -
The Vikings: Who were they, where did they come from, and where did they go?
Do you ever get your Vikings mixed up with your Scandinavians? Your Nordics with your Norse? Fear not, as we delve into who the Vikings were, where they came from, and why this term has a troubled history.1 year ago — History -
The Viking "discovery" and settlement of North America: A deep dive
Many thanks to one of our loyal Patreon fans, Bruce, who suggested this fascinating topic. It is only recently that we have conclusive evidence that some of the stories in the sagas of people from Viking societies in the New World were more than just tall tales and were historically accurate.1 year ago — History
