vikings
The word Viking, really means "Pirate" in Norse, is used as a term, for the people who lived in Denmark, Norway and Sweden during the early Middle Ages.
They are most famous for the Viking raids of the Middle Ages and people often think of them as savage and bloodthirsty. Though many did have a life devoted to raiding and warfare, the vast majority of the Vikings lived from farming, fishing, and etc.
Law
The Vikings had a complex legal system. The word "law" is actually a Viking word. When a Viking was charged with a crime, he went to the 'ting', a court, where a jury of 12, 24 or 36 convicted or declared the viking innocent.
A common way to solve disputes between two parties was with a duel. The first Viking's blood to touch the ground lost the case. They believed that the gods were on the winners side and they wouldn't let the innocent person lose.
Clothing
Wool was used to make clothes. Wherever the Vikings settled, they brought sheep with them for the wool. The clothes were made by women who also dyed them with minerals or vegetables for different colors.
The men put on a long woolen shirt and long trousers which were held up by a drawstring. They also put a long coat on top if the weather required it. During battle, the Vikings used a shield, a helmet and a mail-chain to protect themselves.
Religion
At the beginning of the Viking Age, most Vikings were pagans and they really disliked Christianity. It took the Vikings until the 12th century to adopt Christianity.
The society of the Vikings was based on their religion. They believed in several gods and each provided them with benefits or punishment based on their actions. The most famous viking god was
Thor
Who Was the Norse God Thor
Thor the god of thunder is the most famous of the ancient Norse gods. He was the most popular god of the Vikings, Thursday (Thor's day) is named after him. His modern day popularity has been translated by the Marvel comic book character Thor and Thor the movie
They are most famous for the Viking raids of the Middle Ages and people often think of them as savage and bloodthirsty. Though many did have a life devoted to raiding and warfare, the vast majority of the Vikings lived from farming, fishing, and etc.
Law
The Vikings had a complex legal system. The word "law" is actually a Viking word. When a Viking was charged with a crime, he went to the 'ting', a court, where a jury of 12, 24 or 36 convicted or declared the viking innocent.
A common way to solve disputes between two parties was with a duel. The first Viking's blood to touch the ground lost the case. They believed that the gods were on the winners side and they wouldn't let the innocent person lose.
Clothing
Wool was used to make clothes. Wherever the Vikings settled, they brought sheep with them for the wool. The clothes were made by women who also dyed them with minerals or vegetables for different colors.
The men put on a long woolen shirt and long trousers which were held up by a drawstring. They also put a long coat on top if the weather required it. During battle, the Vikings used a shield, a helmet and a mail-chain to protect themselves.
Religion
At the beginning of the Viking Age, most Vikings were pagans and they really disliked Christianity. It took the Vikings until the 12th century to adopt Christianity.
The society of the Vikings was based on their religion. They believed in several gods and each provided them with benefits or punishment based on their actions. The most famous viking god was
Thor
Who Was the Norse God Thor
Thor the god of thunder is the most famous of the ancient Norse gods. He was the most popular god of the Vikings, Thursday (Thor's day) is named after him. His modern day popularity has been translated by the Marvel comic book character Thor and Thor the movie