Week 4

Question 1

4 sources of Vikings

Answer 1

1. Runic inscriptions (short and vague)
2. Contemporary texts by viking victims (subjective, villainization)
3. Sagas from 12th century (blend history and fiction)
4. Archeology (no feelings or context)

Question 2

Why do vikings raid?

Answer 2

Overpopulation
Economic recession
Climate Change

Question 3

Why were vikings so effective?

Answer 3

• Physically fit
• smart strategist
• technological advantage (longships can sail upriver and reverse)

Question 4

Vikings in England

Answer 4

Lindisfarne monastery

Question 5

3 phases of Viking activity

Answer 5

1. 793-851, hit and run summer raids
2. 851-865, settle for winter in England, continue raiding in summer
3. 865-878, revenge for Ragnok, conquer entire kingdoms

Question 6

871

Answer 6

beginning of King Alfred’s reign