Mar 33 min read

Who were the Vikings? Key Stage 2 Resources

🍽️ Viking Daily Life: Not Just Raiders!

When they weren't exploring or raiding, Vikings were farmers, fishermen, and traders. Imagine living in a longhouse, cozying up around a fire pit with your family and animals (yes, inside the same room!). Vikings loved their jewellery, games like chess, and storytelling. Their diet? Lots of fish, meat, and hearty bread. Yum!

🛡️ The Viking Warrior Spirit

Vikings are famous for their warrior spirit, but not all Vikings went on raids. Those who did were part of a well-organised and fearsome group. They fought in a formation called the shield wall, where shields overlapped to fend off enemies. Bravery was admired, and their battles were as much about honour as they were about winning.

🚣‍♂️ The Mighty Viking Longboats

Viking longboats were engineering marvels of their time. Sleek, fast, and with a shallow draft, they could navigate open seas and shallow rivers alike. Imagine being able to sneak up on a town before anyone knew what was happening—that was the Viking way!

🏹 Famous Viking Leaders

Ragnar Lothbrok: A legendary Viking hero known from Viking sagas, famous for raiding France and England with his fearless raids.
Eric Bloodaxe: With a name like that, you know he meant business! King of Norway and later, ruler of Northumbria.
Leif Erikson: A true explorer who reached North America around the year 1000, long before Columbus.

🌎 Vikings: The Cultural Exchange

Vikings weren't just about taking; they gave back too (in their way). They left a lasting impact wherever they went, from the Russian rivers to the coasts of North America. They traded goods like fur, tusks, and even slaves, but they also exchanged ideas, technologies, and cultures.

🎨 Viking Art and Runes

Viking art is easily recognisable by its intricate designs and animal motifs. Their written language, runes, was used for everything from love letters to gravestones. Try writing your name in runes, and you'll be writing just like a Viking from a thousand years ago!

🏰 Vikings and Their Settlements

Vikings didn't just raid; they settled. They founded vibrant communities in Iceland, Greenland, and even parts of Italy. These settlements helped spread Viking culture and influence even further across the globe.

🔮 Beyond the Myths

Vikings are often depicted as mindless barbarians, but in reality, they were much more. They were skilled navigators, craftsmen, and traders. Their society was complex, with laws and a system of justice. Women in Viking society had rights and could own property and divorce.

⚔️ Vikings in Britain: A Timeline

793 AD: Surprise! Vikings raid the monastery at Lindisfarne, marking their grand entrance into British history.
865 AD: The Great Heathen Army invades, wanting more than just a holiday in England.
871-899 AD: King Alfred the Great plays hide and seek (and wins) against the Vikings, showing them who's boss.
Danelaw Era: Parts of Britain say "Alright, you're in charge" to the Vikings. Cue: cultural exchange!
1066 AD: The Battle of Stamford Bridge - Vikings vs. English, a blockbuster battle ending the Viking Age in style.

🎉 Fun Facts to Make Your Friends Go "Wow!"

Viking GPS: They used sunstones, not SatNavs, to navigate. Talk about natural talent!
Fashion Forward: Vikings were quite the trendsetters with their combs, tweezers, and clean-shaven looks.
Viking Wordsmiths: Ever said "window" or "sky"? Thank a Viking. You're speaking Old Norse!

😂 A Giggly Fact

Did you know Vikings named Greenland "Greenland" to make it sound appealing, even though it was mostly ice? That's ancient marketing for you!

🏡 Engaging Projects to Try at Home

Viking Rune Stones: Grab some clay or stones and carve your name in runes. Google "Viking runes" for a guide!
Design Your Viking Shield: Use cardboard, paint, and creativity to craft your Viking shield. Bold colours and patterns for the win!
Viking Longboat Model: With some wood, fabric, and a bit of Viking spirit, build your mini longboat. YouTube has great tutorials!
Make your Viking Name: Eric Bloodaxe is quite the name - a bit frightening, though. Make your own name and write your own legend. Erik Leafblower? Ragnar Pumpkjuggler? Paul Lemonsucker?

📚 Dive Deeper

Ready to explore more about the Vikings in Britain? Check out these awesome resources:

And there you have it, brave explorers! A journey through time uncovering the mysteries of the Vikings in Britain. What will you discover next in your historical adventures? 🚣‍♂️🗡️📚