The vibrant, complex culture of Norway is the result of more than a thousand years of history. The country’s history can be divided into three eras: the pre-Christian Viking era, the Christian Middle Ages, and the modern period. The Viking era was a time of exploration, expansion and conflict. The Norsemen, who founded Norway in the 8th century, came from northern Europe and developed highly advanced seafaring skills.
The Vikings were a seafaring people who raided and traded along the coasts and rivers of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The Vikings travelled together in small bands of about 20 men. They sailed in longboats, each capable of carrying about 20 men and multiple years’ worth of supplies. The men used longships designed to withstand rough seas and navigate shallow waters.
The Vikings were a seafaring people who raided and traded along the coasts and rivers of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The Vikings travelled together in small bands of about 20 men. They sailed in longboats, each capable of carrying about 20 men and multiple years’ worth of supplies. The men used longships designed to withstand rough seas and navigate shallow waters.
The Vikings were one of the most advanced cultures of medieval Europe, possessing far superior sailing and navigational technology. Under the leadership of great heroes like Rollo, the Vikings explored and settled new lands, founding cities such as Bergen and Oslo. The Vikings also practiced land-based warfare, which gave them a strategic advantage over their adversaries. The Vikings also played an important role in the Christianization of Norway, as they discovered and subjugated Christian tribes such as the Gokstad and Lade cultures.
Created with
