Vikings - Basics To Learn: Viking Expansion Flashcards
Where did the Vikings originate from?
Scandinavia, including modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
What was a significant reason for Viking travel?
Lack of fertile land in their homelands.
What were the main social classes in Viking society?
- Jarls (nobles) * Bondi (freemen) * Thralls (slaves)
What roles did women have in Viking society?
Significant domestic roles, could own property and run businesses.
What were the types of ships used by the Vikings?
- Longships * Knarrs
What type of religion did the Vikings follow?
Polytheistic religion.
Name three gods worshipped by the Vikings.
- Odin * Thor * Freyja
What was the role of the Rus Vikings?
Expanded into Russia via river routes, trading and settling along the Volga River.
What was the significance of Baghdad to the Vikings?
A centre of knowledge and trade connected to the silk roads.
What luxury items did Vikings trade for with the Arab world?
- Silver * Silk * Luxury items
What was Constantinople known as to the Vikings?
Miklagard - The Great City.
What motivated Viking raids?
- Wealth * Political ambition * Lack of space/fertile lands
When did Viking raids in the west begin?
793 with the attack on the Lindisfarne monastery in England.
What were prime targets for Viking raids?
Monasteries due to their wealth and lack of defences.
What tactics did Vikings use in warfare?
Hit-and-run assaults.
What were the main weapons used by Vikings in battle?
- Swords * Axes * Spears * Round shields
What was the Varangian Guard?
An elite bodyguard formed by the emperor of Constantinople, including many Vikings.
Fill in the blank: The Vikings engaged in trade with the Arab world, exchanging goods such as walrus ivory, furs, honey, and slaves for _______.
silver and luxury items.
