80 pages : color photographs and illustrations ; 25 cm
Contents:
Introduction Who's Who? : the Viking world. Early Scandinavia -- Origins of the raids -- Viking ships -- The first raids -- Attack on Ireland and France -- The Great Army -- Alfred the Great -- The Danelaw -- The kingdom of York and the reconquest -- Viking weapons and tactiles -- Scotland and Ireland -- France and Normandy -- Viking culture -- Runes and writing -- The Viking saga -- Viking histories -- Viking farms and houses -- Viking women -- Viking art -- Viking religion -- Viking gods and stories -- The Viking expansion -- The Faroes and Iceland -- Viking Greenland -- Viking America -- The end of the colonies -- Expansion to the east -- Viking Russia -- The transformation of the Viking world -- Unifying Denmark -- The Trelleborg forts and the Danevirke -- Towns and trade -- Viking trade -- Viking hoards -- Conversion to Christianity -- The growth of royal power in Norway -- Royalty in Denmark and Sweden -- Viking law and government -- Cnut and the North Sea empire -- The Norman conquest of England -- The end of Viking Ireland -- Vikings in the south -- Harald Hardrada -- Twilight of the Viking world -- The Viking legacy -- Reinvention of the Vikings -- Vikings in popular culture -- Viking archaeology -- The spread of the Vikings -- Who's Who? : the Viking world.
Summary:
"Known for their vicious raids, love of treasure, and fierce warriors: the Vikings were the most feared invaders of the Medieval period. For 300 years, they terrorized the world in their hunt for land and power, but they also had a rich culture in art, literature, and law. Packed with facts, maps, infographics, and photos, this is the perfect introduction to the most feared invaders of the Middle Ages. Covering where they came from and who they conquered, their commerce and culture (including their bloodthirsty stories), their travel and trade, and the reasons behind their demise, this complete guide provides a comprehensive exploration of who these peoples were - and who they were not. For while there is no doubt that some Vikings launched bloodthirsty attacks in this period, pillaging communities and plundering treasure, many more were peaceful traders and settlers. Going beyond the fearsome warriors, battles, and adventures we associate with Vikings, this detailed book provides an insight into the everyday life of the people, to examine how and what they traded, what Viking village life was like, and how they made and sailed their famous long ships. It explores the rich culture of the Vikings, including the beautiful art they created, the legendary stories they told, and the complex law systems they built to maintain a civilized society as well as how their culture and influence lives on in the world today." --Publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.