A Byzantine Account of Harald Hardrada’s Varangian Years
Most of what we know about Harald Hardrada, the Viking leader and King of Norway, comes from Norse sagas. Yet, a Byzantine account offers rare insights into his time serving as a Varangian guard in the Byzantine Empire.
How Did Danish Vikings Become Christian European?
The lecture presents some of the most significant archaeological finds in Denmark from the transition from the pre-Christian period into the Early Middle Ages.
Study Reveals Norway’s Viking Society Was Far More Violent than Denmark’s
It turns out that Norway’s Viking Age was much more violent.
How Weather Shaped the Vikings’ World
In a world where weather dictated nearly every aspect of life, how did the Northmen’s culture evolve in response to their harsh climate?
‘The Viking Sorceress’ opens at the National Museum of Denmark
‘The Viking Sorceress’ exhibition has opened at The National Museum of Denmark. Showcasing women in the Viking Age, this exhibition will likely be one of the highlights for medievalists this summer.
A 9th-century church room has been recreated in the Viking town of Ribe
You can now see what a medieval church looked like during the 9th century. Ribe VikingeCenter in Denmark has unveiled the interior of its Ansgar Church with 50 murals.
Kings on the Move: The Case of the Great Viking Army
Between 865 and 879 CE, the great Viking army campaigned extensively across England, eventually conquering three of the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Vikings! ‘Tis But A Scratch: Fact & Fiction About the Middle Ages
In this episode of the podcast “‘Tis But A Scratch”: Fact & Fiction About the Middle Ages, co-hosts Richard Abels and his wife Ellen Abels explain who and what “Vikings” really were, what historical factors contributed to the advent of the Viking Age.
The Viking Blood Eagle: Horrific Ritual or Horrific Metaphor?
As described in a number of sagas, the “blood eagle” was a particularly gruesome form of ritual sacrifice of high-status captives to the god Odin. Historians have debated whether this ritual was an actual practice or an invention of thirteenth-century saga writers based on a misunderstanding of an eleventh-century skaldic poem.
The Most Important Quality of a Viking Warrior
What qualities defined a great Viking warrior?
Intriguing Skull Modifications Discovered in Viking Women
A recent study delves into the discovery of three women from Viking-Age Gotland who underwent skull elongation. This investigation sheds light on the fascinating tradition of body modification prevalent among the Norse and Vikings.
Vikings and Cats
Did the Vikings keep cats as pets? A recent study reveals that felines were much more part of Norse society than previously believed.
The Battle of Edington (878)
The Vikings are attacking England, and it’s up to Alfred, King of Wessex, to stop them. In this episode of Bow & Blade, Michael and Kelly discuss this important battle in Anglo-Saxon England.
Why Viking clothing was so bold and colourful
How did the Norse dress in the Viking Age? It might surprise readers to find out that the Vikings wore vivid colours, flowing silk ribbons, and glittering bits of mirrors.
Medieval and Viking-Age artifacts discovered in Norway
A very rare Byzantine coin is among dozens of medieval and Viking-era objects discovered in eastern Norway last year. Officials with Innlandet County Municipality have released details of items found by metal detectorists, including buckles, seals and pieces from swords.
The early Vikings of Dublin and why some of them moved to Wirral
Clare Downham talls about why Vikings came to the Wirral and why the area would have been attractive to them.
Oral Health of the Vikings detailed in new study
Widespread caries and toothache – but also some dental work and filing of front teeth. Viking Age teeth from Sweden bear witness to surprisingly advanced dentistry.
New Medieval Books: American Vikings
The first part of this details the Norse arrival in North America, incorporating the latest research on the topic. The second part examines how Americans have been fascinated by the Viking mythos and its effects on culture and politics in the United States.
St Olaf: An International Norwegian Saint
Seven papers from the Dublin Festival of History, International Viking Seminar 2023
American Vikings?
In my book American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America, I explore the evidence for this in the literary sources and archaeology; and, also, in the way this idea has fed into the cultural DNA of North America and especially the USA.
American Vikings with Martyn Whittock
This week on The Medieval Podcast, Danièle speaks with Martyn Whittock about Vikings and their influence on American culture.
Runestones reveal story of Viking Queen
Archaeologists have used 3D scanning to investigate inscriptions carved on two groups of runestones, in Denmark revealing that four stones were likely made in dedication to a powerful Viking Queen from the tenth century.
Glass windows could be found in Viking-Age Denmark and Sweden, study finds
New research has revealed that the Vikings had windows with glass panes as early as the 9th century. While glazed windows are associated with medieval churches and castles, we have plenty of examples from Viking-age Denmark and Sweden.
517 Viking Nicknames
Of all the peoples of the Middle Ages, it was the Norse who had the best nicknames. You can now explore a list of hundreds of interesting and strange nicknames from the Viking Age.
