It is widely accepted that the Viking raids started at around C. 780 and lasted until the year 1020. The first recorded raid on the British Isles occurred in 789 when three ships from Hordaland (modern Norway) landed on the southern coast of Wessex. The exact reason behind this raid and the many others that followed cannot be put down to one particular reason as a number of factors contributed to the presence of the Viking invasions. In order to be able to assess whether Gold or Land acted as the primary reason behind the Vikings actions it is important to look at both motives thoroughly and additionally examine other enabling factors that have been put forward such as religion and various technological advances. By looking at other supporting …show more content…
factors this essay will be able to assess the relative importance of both Gold and Land. Furthermore, it can be seen the acquisition of Gold and Land directly correlated to an increase in Power both abroad and in Scandinavia, thus heightening the importance of both factors. Initially this essay would side with the viewpoint put forward by James Barrettt, which argues that the Viking raids happened because of the desire to obtain Gold and other treasures.
One of the main reasons for the Viking raids concerned the vast amount of wealth in the form of Gold and other treasures that was contained within European settlements. Monasteries in particular were an obvious target for the Viking invaders as they often kept large amounts of Gold, silver and other valuable items. This point is further shown within an article chronicling a Viking attack on the Lindisfarne monastery in Northumbria, as it states, “Pilgrims had brought with them gold and silver, so the Viking loot must have been considerable. The island’s treasures were so abundant that the Vikings returned many times to provide themselves of the riches.” The attacks on Abbeys …show more content…
dominated the early Viking approach in Europe, with Raiding parties using, “hit and run tactics to target monasteries where they could lay their hands on wealth and captives who could be enslaved or ransomed.” The use of prisoners not only highlights the importance of attacking the monasteries but additionally served as another way of generating wealth. This claim is supported by James H Barrettt who suggests that a number of home grown Viking commodities such as furs were traded alongside the treasures and prisoners gained through the raids. Barrettt additionally states that, “Based on Arab sources, Slaves first entered the record of Scandinavian exchange with the caliphate in the early tenth century,” thus highlighting the scale and methods of Viking trading. Overall it can be seen that the desire for Gold and other commodities that could generate wealth provided the Vikings with an adequate reason to raid monasteries. Whilst it has been suggested that the attacks on Christian locations were religiously motivated this essay would maintain that the desire for Gold was far more important for the Viking cause and those taking part as it not only created wealth it created a sense of glory and prestige. Conversely it could be argued that the Vikings desire for land acted as the primary motivation for the raids. The main driving force behind a number of Viking economies was cultivation, a claim supported by Kirsten Wolf who states, “The economy of Scandinavian countries was dependent on Agriculture which was the mainstay in most areas, though obviously the farming conditions of Denmark differed considerably from those of Northern Norway.” The point raised by Wolf is important as it offers an explanation for the Vikings need to search for alternative lands. Farming was becoming difficult due to a number of factors but most prominently, the ecology of the region was wrong, there was considerable impacts associated with the Medieval Warm Period, and finally there was a limited supply of sunlight making crop growth hard. In contrast to Scandinavia, European nations had suitable conditions that could provide high farming yields, and thus generate wealth, through trade and generally offer a better standard of life for those who reaped the benefits of this farming boom. Additionally, the benefits that came as a result of having land abroad could be implemented in Scandinavia, for example the discovery of new medicines, new types of wool and fur, and new metals and resources to name a few. It can therefore be seen that the need for extra and more suitable farming land provided sufficient motive for the Viking raids. It is also important to note that the desire for Land acted as a longer-term strategy that often created settlers. This is in contrast to the Vikings approach of obtaining Gold which, as already stated, involved more of a hit and run approach. The importance of Gold and other treasures for the Viking cause must not be underestimated. The gold, silver and other similar items that were obtained during the various raids, could be used to benefit the raiders in a number of ways. In terms of currency the, “Vikings did not really have an exchange system for gold to the extent that they had it for silver.” Despite this Gold could still be used to fund further raids and expeditions. Additionally, it could be used to repair and build new long ships, as well as create large amounts of weaponry. It is also recognised that Gold mainly featured at the, “very top of the Viking social hierarchy, and was often used by the king as gifts to loyal followers.” This point clearly demonstrates the value of Gold as a source of power and authority for the high-ranking Viking officials, thus heightening its importance. As the raids became more successful, the Viking tactics evolved and moved away from the hit and run attacks on defenceless monasteries.
Instead, The Vikings now looked to target large urban areas indicating a shift to a longer-term strategy, which involved settling down within a region. This claim can be supported by historian Stephan Weaver who cites the 860s as a period when the Vikings began stay for longer periods and, “amass larger armies with the clear intention of conquest.” By staying for longer periods of time the Vikings posed an even greater threat and more importantly were able to gain even more gold and wealth. This is because by settling, the raiders could replenish their supplies and additionally they had a base with which to operate from, therefore increasing the likelihood of a successful raid. It can also be seen that European rulers often felt the need to bribe the Vikings in order to protect their lands and people. This is supported by Philip Parker who cites the, “colossal bribe of 7000 pounds’ worth of silver,” which was paid to a group in 845 as a clear example of this theme. It is therefore clear that the desire for Gold was clearly a driving reason behind the raids. This point can be seen in the shifting of approach to longer permanent stays abroad that enabled the Vikings to obtain a larger amount of Gold and wealth through the raiding of larger settlements and additionally through alternative means such as receiving bribes from local
rulers. In contrast the Vikings were forced to seek Land abroad simply because of a lack of space available within Scandinavia. Viking settlements, “did share in the widespread European population and settlement boom at the end of the first millennium AD.” One possible reason for this overpopulation concerned the practice of polygamy. Polygamy involves marriage with more than one spouse, and according to historian, T. D. Kendrick acted as a driving force behind the lack of space available within Scandinavian nations. Furthermore, the practice of polygamy aided the invading raiders in gaining land oversees. Vikings would often take or be offered wives in the nation they were raiding thus providing them with land. It is worth noting however, that this essay would agree with the historical view put forward by James Barrett and T.D Kendrick, which argues that Polygamy was generally practiced by the higher ranks of society, and therefore cannot be used to explain the overpopulation and subsequent Viking raids. A much stronger evaluation that aids the viewpoint that land was the deciding reason behind the Viking raids, concerns the effect this extra land had on the Viking cause. By obtaining large amounts of Land, the Vikings were able to make their presence felt within Europe. This gave the Scandinavian natives access to a number of world and European trading markets thus enabling them to gain wealth from items which had been obtained from there raids. A clear example of this can be seen in Modern day Russia, an area in which the Vikings controlled from around the year c.750. As a result of dominating the majority of the landmass within the Rus, the Vikings had access to a number of key trading links such as Staraya Ladoga which at the time was a major source of wealth. Additionally by holding such a large European land mass, the Vikings were able to expand further in to Constantinople. A number of primary sources can describe the initial attack on Constantinople, for example it is stated that on, “June 860, Constantinople was attacked by a Russian Fleet numbering two hundred vessels.” The siege of Constantinople was very significant for the Viking as they once again increased their landmass which ultimately led to increased trade links. The example in Russia and subsequent expansion into the Byzantium Empire clearly highlights the importance of Land however in this essays opinion does not provide a reason for the raids, as ultimately the overall aim was wealth. Whilst this essay does agree that, the desire for Gold and Land provided the main motivations behind the Viking raids, it is important to examine other factors that also played a role in the raids. The Viking Long ships are certainly in this essays view the most prominent of the secondary factors. “The long ships were all made out of wood and they each had emblematic carvings on each hull. They were double – ended, very light and had a shallow – draft hull. The engineering of the ships permitted them to travel inland through rivers, creeks, inlets and shallow bays which was the main reason why they triumphed in so many of their raids.” The description by Weaver clearly shows the importance of Long ships as an enabling factor, which allowed the Vikings to successfully raid and obtain Gold and Land. In conclusion, this essay would maintain that the desire for Gold and wealth acted as the main reason behind the Viking raids. This is because Gold, silver and other similar commodities could be used in a number of different ways, both abroad through trade and domestically as a demonstration of power and as a source of wealth. Additionally Gold was much more easily obtained thanks to the hit and run attacks on monasteries and smaller settlements, making it a more viable and successful option for the Viking raids. Whilst the importance of obtaining land in order to settle and establish trade routes was of clear importance, this essay would argue that Land was much more of a longer-term Viking strategy and only really became significant during the last stages of the Viking age. It can also be seen that often the claiming of land led to the gaining of wealth thus suggesting gold and wealth was the primary motive all along.
Kapelle, W.E. ‘The Norman conquest of the North:The region and its transformation 1000-1135’ (Croom Helm 1979)
The Great Heathen Army was the name of a coalition of Norse armies from the Scandinavian region; Denmark, Norway, and possibly also Sweden in approximately 865CE, and ending in approximately 875CE with the defeat of the Viking army by King Alfred ‘The Great’ of Wessex. There were multiple possible motivations for this invasion, including (but not limited to): revenge for the death of legendary Ragnarr Lodbok, the expansion of Norse control into the British Isles, and the need for fresher lands for agriculture. There are two main sources that tell us about the Great Heathen Invasion; The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle by various authors and Life of King Alfred by Asser, which will be evaluated to determine their reliability as primary sources for the
In 1789, the French people began to stand up to their current monarchical government in order to obtain rights and laws that they felt they deserved. The Reign of Terror followed after the Revolution and seemed to stand for the complete opposite of what the people had previously stood up for. The Reign of Terror began in 1793 and ended in 1794 due to the decapitation of Maximilien Robespierre. The Reign of Terror can be explained as a time period in France when many counter revolutionaries were killed because of their traditional beliefs. Counter revolutionaries believed in preserving the ways of the monarchy, but since the majority of people thought otherwise, these opposing beliefs led to death. The French government did not have good reason to conduct such drastic measures against those who challenged the Revolution.
Liberty, equality, and freedom are all essential parts to avoiding anarchy and maintaining tranquility even through the most treacherous of times. The Reign of Terror is well known as the eighteen month long French Revolution (1793-1794). In this period of time, a chief executive Maximilien Robespierre and a new French government executed gigantic numbers of people they thought to be enemies of the revolution; inside and outside of the country. The question is; were these acts of the new French government justified? Not only are the acts that occurred in the Reign of Terror not justified, they were barbaric and inhumane.
When the Vikings reached the New World, they called the native inhabitants (American Indians or Native Americans), “Skræling.” There has been much debate as to what exactly this word or label meant. Some translate it as “skin wearers,” which may be true as to how they described them, being the Norse generally wore woolen or linen clothing and North American Natives generally wore animal skins. But there was one additional thing puzzling about the Norse and the Skræling. The Viking explorers weren't curious or baffled by these new people. As if, they'd come into contact with people like this before and their way of life. 500 years later, when other Europeans had come to the New World (The Americas), they were ultimately curious of these strange new people and their ways that they had never seen before. But not the Norse, the Norse hint that they have come into regular contact with people like this on a fairly regular basis.
The Dark ages is the time between the 500’s and 1400’s. The Dark ages was a time of civil wars, Death, diseases, invasions and thief. There was a lot of invasions and to protect them self from that communities made a code call The code of Chivalry as (Doc 5) states “Europe in the Middle Ages was a dangerous place. Invasions from Muslims, Mongols, Vikings, and other tribal groups were common. War between lords was also common. The value of protection and warriors created a social code called Chivalry. Knights fought for lords and ladies, and lived by a gentleman- warrior code of Chivalry.” And other big thing in The Dark Ages was Diseases. Diseases in the dark ages was deadly because there was not antidote and even Doctors were scared of
In conclusion, both the textual and archaeological evidence can be contradictory as to the exact nature of the early viking-native encounters. Some evidence supports genocidal tendencies, other evidence supports native integration. Evidence for the different theories was presented above, but even that which was presented represents only a fraction of the evidence, both archaeological, textual, and linguistic, that support the various models. It is also important to note that Scotland has still been left woefully unexplored by modern archaeologists, and that further investigation may provide key answers to reconciling the disparity in evidence. Until such time, it seems the most logical conclusion to draw is that of the middle ground, whereby both genocidal and more peaceable vikings arrived and initiated different circumstances for the natives.
The Vikings are famous for their violent ways when they pillaged and plundered villages of Northern Europe. Their dramatic exploits commenced during 800 – 1050 A.D, The first being the raid on Lindisfarne Monastery in 793, followed by a chain of attacks all over the coast of northern Europe during the next 200 years. As the years went on the frequency of Viking attacks increased as they became bolder. They were opportunists, raiding when the villages were off–guard or weak and trading when they were powerful. The speed and tactical advantage of the Viking longships allowed them to slip quietly ashore, pillage the village and make a fast getaway via water before the village can summon an army. By this time some Viking plunderers would stay over winter in a village. Soon their raiding camps became settlements and Viking control over Europe began to grow, it was not long before Vikings overran most of England.
This book is a very important primary source for historians because it contains the only primary source concerning the Vikings before they converted to Islam, and many other accounts of important information including Viking raids. The book shows how the Eastern Vikings lived and how the Muslim world interacted with them. It also gives insight into the state of Islam in the tenth through twelfth century. Almost all of the information is this book is relevant to historians and the eye witness accounts are very useful concerning the people and places in this time period.
Britain in the 800’s was much different then than it is now. The people of Denmark, called Danes or Vikings, attacked Britain and started a war between the two countries. Britain was helpless at the time because of their lack of leadership from their king. When King Alfred came to power, Britain turned the war around and found a king worthy of the title. Because of King Alfred’s reign, Britain was shaped to be what it is today.
A lot of people say that the southern part of the united states is what started the war. Their stubborn ways force the north to take action which lead to the civil war. In all reality there was more that came into play when the civil war was in the making. States rights was one of the problem that lead to the civil war, the constitution did not define who had what powers and what authority over one what. Also slavery played a part because the slaves were raising up and fighting for their rights in which the south did not like and and the north tried to help only making the problem worse. The differences between the free states and the slave states was the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the territories that had not yet
"Norse Mythology: The Valkyries: The Chooser of the Slain." Norse Mythology. Accessed May 29, 2014. http://www.viking-mythology.com/valkyries.php.
Typically, the image of a Viking is a barbaric, bearded man plundering and destroying a neighboring village. This is actually the stereotypical viewpoint. In actuality, Vikings, have a very different image. For example, Vikings did not wear furry boots or furry armor, they did not have horned helmets, they invaded Britain, and they also were the first to discover America! They were also experts in nautical technology, crafts, trading, warfare and many other skills (Jonsson 1). With all of these traits, the Vikings seem like an unstoppable force in the European continent. But, who were the Vikings? The Vikings were actually venturesome seafarers. This means that they were travelers who were constantly exploring and looking for new areas of land. There roots can be traced all the way back to 6000 B.C. were nomadic men traveled in primitive crafts up the Denmark coast. Fast forward two millennia and these nomadic people have established permanent homes, but still using the boat for food and travel. As stated before, they were not just raiders, although they did do this frequently, but they were actually expert traders, trading all around the world. It wasn’t until around 793 A.D. that a Viking explosion took place in northern Europe (Jonsson 2). Raids began to take place on neighboring villages and their places of worship. To some this is the only type of knowledge they have about Vikings. However, their culture was something to be admired. Trading, religion, and everyday life are all important parts of a Viking culture.
Before the period of the middle ages, the British Isles mostly lay dormant in local disputes and settlements of small tribes. Up until the late 900’s, the Anglos and the Saxons laid their claim to the land of Britain. However, this all soon changed. An ambitions individual with hero-like characteristics set foot and conquered the Anglo-Saxons and started Britain on its journey to modernism. Thus, the tide was set in motion for a new government and a civilized race. A monarchy was established, and the Middle ages began in roughly 975 AD (Vinogradoff, p 18).
In the earliest years of the Vikings, there was little history recorded due to the polytheistic views that they followed. After the Vikings converted to Christianity, there were eventually written documents created pertaining to their existence. In Viking Warfare, I.P. Stephenson states that the Vikings “first described attack took place in AD 789”(11). The Vikings were also known as Norsemen. They were great storytellers, and that is perhaps how society knows so much about them today. The stories that the Norsemen told were called Sagas. Today, Vikings are often depicted as murderous savages, but while they were not pillaging villages they were actually quite a peaceful civilization. There were three countries that Vikings evolved from; Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Although it may seem that all Vikings were on the same side, they quarreled with each other as well. Despite the fact that Viking battles were bloody and gruesome they were also known to be the most hygienic out of many of the earlier civilizations. There was not a huge percentage of Vikings that went out and raided but when they did they made a huge impact on what Vikings are now known for. The success of Viking warfare and raids relied primarily on the uses of armor, weapons, long ships, and battle tactics.