15/01/2025
Something to remember. Just because we know something as “fact”, today, doesn’t necessarily mean it will be tomorrow. New discoveries always hold the possibility of turning our understanding of the past completely on its head. Fortunately, most of the time, they simply confirm what we already “know.”
History is Alive – The Viking Age and Its Enduring Legacy
History is not static – it is ever-changing, shaped by new discoveries and interpretations. When we talk about the Viking Age, we often refer to the period between 793, marked by the raid on Lindisfarne, and 1066, with the Battle of Stamford Bridge. However, these dates are simply convenient markers – the Viking Age didn’t suddenly begin one day, nor did it end overnight. It was part of a larger, continuous development both before and after these milestones.
The Vikings were much more than warriors. They were innovators at home, with sophisticated societal structures, advanced agricultural techniques, and technological advancements, such as the use of glass windows as early as the 9th century. The thing – their democratic assemblies – was an early example of collaboration and community that still inspires us today.
Abroad, the Vikings demonstrated their potential as explorers, traders, and cultural bridges. They established trade networks spanning from North America to the Middle East, introducing new knowledge and bringing influences from distant cultures back to Scandinavia. Their legacy stretches far into the future and lives on in our culture, values, and understanding of the world.
What we know about the Vikings today is already rich and nuanced, but history is alive – and what we believe we know now may change with future discoveries. This is why we are so excited to reflect on this era. Not just the Viking Age itself, but also the periods before and after, and how they are interconnected. 👍👍
