the vikings

• When did the Viking invasions of Britain begin?


  About 800 CE
• What were the tribes that attacked Britain during the Viking invasions primarily from?


  Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
• What term is sometimes used to refer to Vikings?

  Norsemen
• Why did the Vikings attack Britain?


  To raid and steal valuable treasures
• How did the Vikings travel to Britain?


  They travelled over the North Sea in longboats
• What was the first recorded Viking attack on Britain?

  In 789 CE
• What types of treasures did the Vikings steal during their raids?


  Gold, jewels, books, food, cattle, clothes, and tools
• What are the characteristics of Viking longboats?


  • Long, flat, and narrow design
  • Capable of navigating deep and shallow waters
  • Can cross vast oceans and approach shores or rivers
  • Used for raiding and transporting warriors
• In what year did an army of Vikings arrive in Britain to conquer land?


  865 CE
• What was the Vikings' primary goal when they arrived in Britain in 865 CE?


  To conquer land and settle
• Why did the Vikings choose Britain as a place to settle?


  Because their homeland had poor land for farming
• What was the consequence of the growing Viking population in their homeland?


  There was not enough food due to poor land
• What was the height of the mast on a Viking longboat?


  • About 12 metres high
• What feature did Viking longboats have to protect against evil?


  • A dragon’s head at the front
• How did Vikings row their longboats when there was no wind?


  • They used oars to row
• What was the typical length of a Viking longboat?


  • 20-25 metres long
• What were the characteristics of the Viking longboats?


  They were long, flat, and narrow
• What was the primary purpose of Viking longboats?


  To allow water travel and raids
• Where did the Vikings primarily settle in Britain?

  In the east of England
• What did the Vikings learn about Britain during their raids?

  That it contained treasures that could make them rich
• Who were the main opponents of the Vikings in Britain?

  The Anglo-Saxons
• What was the outcome of the battles between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings?


  The Vikings gradually conquered more land
• By what year was only the kingdom of Wessex not controlled by the Vikings?


  By 874 CE
• Who ruled the area of Wessex during the Viking invasions?


  King Alfred the Great
• What was the result of King Alfred's battles against the Vikings?


  He beat the Vikings but could not drive them out completely
• What agreement did King Alfred and the Vikings eventually reach?


  To split the country into Anglo-Saxon and Viking lands
• What was the area controlled by the Vikings called?

  The Danelaw
• How did the relationship between the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings change over time?


  They became neighbors and experienced many years of peace
• Who was the king of England by the mid-1000s CE?


  Edward
• What was notable about Edward's parentage?


  His father was an Anglo-Saxon king and his mother was married to a Viking king
• What were the Vikings known for besides raiding?


  Being great travelers and traders
• Where did the Vikings sail to besides Britain?

  All over Europe and the Atlantic
• What were the main activities of the Vikings in Europe?

  • Raiding coastal settlements
  • Trading with various cultures
  • Exploring new territories
• What were the key events leading to the establishment of the Danelaw?


  1. Viking raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms
  2. Battles between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons
  3. King Alfred's resistance and eventual peace agreement
  4. Division of land into Anglo-Saxon and Viking territories
• What was the significance of King Alfred the Great in Viking history?


  • Defended Wessex against Viking invasions
  • Established a peace agreement with the Vikings
  • Laid the groundwork for the unification of England