12.3

Question 1

What are Viking longhouses characterized by?

Answer 1

Long shape, often built into mounds of earth, sheltered extended family and animals

Question 2

What was the typical location of Viking villages?

Answer 2

Rural areas near water, such as coastlines or rivers

This facilitated the loading and unloading of ships.

Question 3

What types of buildings were commonly found in Viking villages alongside longhouses?

Answer 3

• Barns for animals
• Workshops for craftsmen
• Saunas
• Open areas for markets

Question 4

Who typically lived in the largest longhouse in a Viking village?

Answer 4

The king or the most important jarl

Question 5

Describe the general structure and features of Viking longhouses.

Answer 5

Rectangular with rounded ends, thatched roofs, 15–25 metres long, 5 metres wide, dirt floor, no windows, small hole in roof for smoke

The fireplace provided warmth, light, and cooking but created a smoky environment.

Question 6

What were the common odors found in Viking longhouses?

Answer 6

• Smoke
• Sweat
• Sour milk
• Cooking odors
• Animal manure

Question 7

What kind of furniture was typically found in Viking longhouses?

Answer 7

Roughly made table, benches, low platforms for sleeping and sitting

Benches were often covered in animal skins, furs, or cloth bags filled with down.

Question 8

What were the main components of the Viking diet?

Answer 8

• Meat from cattle, sheep, pigs, hens
• Fish
• Grains (wheat, barley, rye)
• Vegetables (onions, leeks, peas, cabbage)
• Fruits and berries
• Wild game (boar, seabirds, hare, elk)

Question 9

What was the primary occupation of most Vikings?

Answer 9

Farming

The entire family participated in seasonal farming activities.

Question 10

What roles did Viking craftspeople play in society?

Answer 10

Produced farming tools, weapons, armour, and fine artifacts

They also created jewellery that indicated social standing and wealth.

Question 11

What types of helmets did Viking warriors wear?

Answer 11

• Helmets for chieftains or wealthy jarls
• Leather caps for poorer fighters
• Chain-mail tunics for wealthy warriors
• Leather vests or padded jackets for poorer warriors

Question 12

What materials were used for Viking jewellery based on social status?

Answer 12

• Gold and silver for the wealthy
• Bronze or pewter for those of less importance

Question 13

What was a common source of silver for Viking jewellery?

Answer 13

Raiding

Question 14

What design elements characterized Viking jewellery?

Answer 14

Highly decorative, often featured symbols from Viking mythology and religion

Distinctive Viking style included plaited strands ending in animal-like creatures.