Primary History

Vikings: Who were the Vikings
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  • Where did the Vikings come from?

    The Vikings came from three countries of Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The name 'Viking' comes from a language called 'Old Norse' and means 'a pirate raid'. People who went off raiding in ships were said to be 'going Viking'. 
    The Viking age in European history was about AD 700 to 1100. During this period many Vikings left Scandinavia and travelled to other countries, such as Britain and Ireland. Some went to fight and steal treasure. Others settled in new lands as farmers, craftsmen or traders.



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  • The Byzantine (Eastern Roman) emperors in Constantinople hired Vikings guards, called the Varangian Guards.