The Vikings :

Richards, J. D.

The Vikings : a very short introduction / Julian D. Richards. - 152 pages : illustrations, maps ; 18 cm. - Very short introductions ; 137 . - Very short introductions ; 137. .

Includes bibliographical references (pages 137-139) and index.

Vikings then and now -- Early Scandinavian kingdoms -- Pagans and Christians -- Changes in the countryside -- Towns and trade -- Across the ocean: seafaring and overseas expansion -- Settlers in England -- Raiders and traders around the Irish Sea -- Vikings and Picts: genocide or assimilation? -- Landnam in the North Atlantic -- The edge of the world: Greenland and North America -- Reinventing the Vikings.

"The Viking reputation is of bloodthirsty seafaring warriors, repeatedly plundering the British Isles and the North Atlantic throughout the early Middle Ages. Yet Vikings were also traders, settlers, and farmers, with a complex artistic and linguistic culture." "Highlighting the latest archaeological finds, Julian Richards reveals the Viking world in its entirety: their history, society and culture, and their expansion overseas for trade, colonization, and plunder. Richards cuts through the myths to provide new insight into their rune stones, ships, and religion. His book takes us to new discoveries in Scandinavia, Iceland, and Greenland, while examining contemporary Viking re-enactment groups, Nazi-sponsored excavations, and DNA testing for elusive Viking blood, leading to a re-appraisal of the meaning of the term 'Viking'."--BOOK JACKET.

0192806076 9780192806079

2006273572

GBA556388 bnb

013245267 Uk


Vikings
Civilization, Viking


Europe--History--476-1492

DL65 / .R535 2005

948/.022