Lifestyle Flashcards
What is the main reason Viking villages were built close to water?
To make it easy to unload ships
Where did Vikings shit?
An outdoor hole in the ground
Where did Vikings sleep?
On raised benches
What is the link between Australian bedrooms and Vikings?
Doona comes from the Norse word Dunn meaning feather down
What is the Oseberg?
A ceremonial and burial ship
How long was the Oseberg?
22 Metres
What were Viking political assemblies known as?
Things
Before the 12th century what was not done done with Viking laws?
Written down
What were punishments for those who couldn’t pay fines?
Banishment, Death
What was the Viking economy based on?
Agriculture
What have stashes of modern day coins found in Sweden suggested?
That Vikings traded as far as Russia and Central Asia
What did the Vikings usually do with their dead?
Cremated and then buried the remains
What were the traditional Viking stories known as?
Sagas
When was the first Althing held?
930
What was located at the centre of a Viking longhouse?
A fireplace with a big cauldron hung above
What did the Oseberg hold?
The remains of two women, two oxen and many horses
What is the name of the alphabet the Vikings used?
Runes
What is the Runestone of Rök?
Found in the 9th century, the largest inscription of runes ever found
What did Viking jewellery demonstrate?
The Vikings artistic flair and skilled workmanship
What was the difference between Viking armour for wealthy and poorer people?
Wealthy Vikings wore chain mail armour and poor Vikings wore leather caps, leather vests and padded jackets
What was the Althing?
The first parliament in the world, met at the Plains of Thingvellir, held once a year in June, from 930 onwards
What was the focal point of the Althing?
The Lögberg where the law speaker stood to proclaim the laws
What was trade conducted through?
Barter, then later on coins
What cities did Vikings colonise?
York, Kiev and Dublin
