introduction to viking history
Immerse yourself in the history of the Viking Age and discover who the people we know today as Vikings really were, beyond the myths, stereotypes, and portrayals found in popular culture.
This introductory course explores their historical context, society, daily life, beliefs, voyages, trade, exploration, and expansion across different territories. Learn to understand the Viking Age through historical and archaeological sources, and discover a culture far more complex and fascinating than what is portrayed in movies and TV series.
course contents:
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Who were the Vikings? Myths, concepts, and definitions.
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Scandinavia before and during the Viking Age.
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Historical context and chronology of the Viking Age.
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The main Scandinavian peoples and territories.
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Social organization and structure of Viking society.
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Daily life: homes, food, clothing, and hygiene.
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Families, women, children, and their roles within the community.
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Crafts, agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade.
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Navigation and Viking ships.
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Voyages, exploration, raids, and territorial expansion.
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Warfare, weapons, and combat.
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Laws, assemblies, and political organization.
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Religion and worldview in pre-Christian Norse society.
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Funerary rites and beliefs surrounding death.
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The Christianization of Scandinavia and the transformation of society.
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Sources for studying the Viking Age: archaeology, chronicles, Runic inscriptions, and medieval literature.
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The Viking legacy and its representation in popular culture.