The Vikings came from Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark and Sweden). Their homelands offered little spare farmland for a growing population, so many Vikings went abroad in search of new lands. The Vikings were farmers, but also fierce warriors, and their first impact on western Europe was a violent one. They began to sail across the North Sea in the late AD 700’s, raiding the coasts of Britain and mainland Europe. They raided churches and towns, carrying off loot and slaves, their raids caused panic, and rulers tried to buy off the invaders with gold. This, however, only encouraged the Vikings to come back for more.
|
Fact File: Decorative brooches such as this were used by both Viking men and women to hold their outer garments (cloaks and tunics) in place. |
Picture Credit : Google