Where did the Vikings come from? - Map

The Vikings, a group of seafaring people from the late eighth to early eleventh century, originated from the Scandinavian regions of Northern Europe, encompassing modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Educational materials, such as maps, are often used to help students visualize and better understand the geographic origins of the Vikings. By comparing a contemporary map of Europe with historical representations, learners can gain insights into the areas that the Norsemen, as they were also known, called home before they embarked on their expansive voyages of exploration, trade, and raiding across Europe and beyond.

Between the end of Roman rule in Britain and the year 1066, a significant period of transition and transformation took place. This era saw shifts in power, culture, and society, including the arrival of the Vikings. Known for their prowess in shipbuilding and navigation, the Vikings gained a formidable reputation as fierce raiders due to their sudden and often violent incursions into foreign territories. Their raids, which initially targeted monasteries and settlements near the coast, eventually led to more extensive campaigns and the establishment of Viking settlements, particularly in the British Isles. Understanding the Vikings' impact on Britain during this period is key to comprehending the broader changes that shaped the country leading up to the Norman Conquest.