KT1 Flashcards
What were the push factors for the vikings leaving Scandinavia?
- overpopulation
- political instability (internal conflicts or in leadership)
- land shortage
- harsh climate
What were the pull factors for the vikings leaving Scandinavia?
- wealth & resources
- explore & adventure
- trade opportunities
What were the pros & cons of Norway?
Natural resources (timber, fish & minerals), strategic position (access to sea - trade)
Harsh climate (severe winters), political fragmentation (internal conflicts due to divided into smaller kingdoms)
What were the pros & cons of Denmark?
Strategic location (trade routes in baltic & north sea), fertile lands, mild climate.
Tribal rivalries (internal conflicts disrupting peace), vulnerability to attacks.
What were the pros & cons of Sweden?
Abundant forests (resources), river systems (enhancing trade routes)
Geographical barriers (travel & trade difficult), political disunity (instability with smaller tribes)
What were the features of a longship & how did they help?
Rudder (quick turns), mast (fast travel), hull (light to carry) stern & bow (fast travel), figurehead (intimidation).
What were the pros & cons of a longship?
Speed & manoeuvrability, travel far distances, can adapt to varying wind conditions, strategic advantage in warfare.
Limited cargo capacity, uncomfortable, vulnerable in harsh weather, reliance on human power.
What was the Viking hierarchy?
Kings/Queens - ruled various kingdoms
Jars (Nobles) - controlled territories
Karls (Freemen) - farming, trading, crafting etc
Thralls (Slaves) - served their masters
What were the roles of women?
- Most were tied to the home, controlled distribution of food & clothing to household.
- Some made their mark through status or achievement
Describe the children’s upbringing, play, social status and initiation into adulthood.
Learn practical skills from a young age, engage in games and sports, status inherited from parents, marked by rituals and ceremonies.
What happened in a Thing (Assembly)?
Disputes were settled & laws discussed.
What was their legal system?
Relied on oral tradition, elders or chieftains made decisions.
What were their punishments?
Fines, exile, or execution in severe cases.
What were the 3 Trading Settlements?
Birka in Sweden, Kaupang in Norway and Hedeby in Scandinavia.
Name 5 Norse Gods.
Odin, Thor, Frigg, Loki and Freyr.
