Four Things about the Vikings You Probably Don't Know
The Vikings were not only amongst the most powerful warriors in the Middle Ages but they were also amongst the most mysterious tribes of their time. Not many things were known about them. Yet, with some modern depictions of the Vikings, we tend to think that the Vikings were brutal and only knew looting and killing. Historically truth is, they were only humans who had to fight for their tribes and fight for food. Just like other of the Medieval times. This blog post shall focus on the four things about the Vikings that you probably don't know.
In case you know all of the things we are about to mention, you deserve a gold medallion for your good knowledge.
The Vikings forts were the definition of perfection
The Vikings forts were known as the trelleborg. Unlike those stoned forts or castle you might see on the TV shows, Viking forts were the circle-shaped ones that were built with grass turf, timber, and earth.
That is said the Vikings learnt this building skills from somewhere else while on voyage. Of course, this kind of circle shaped forts were not invented by the Vikings. They probably learnt it. But once the Vikings had learnt the building techniques, they mastered it.
The circle of the fort were almost geometrically perfect. Although these forts cannot stand the test of time (and some farmers once leveled the forts for agricultural reasons.
Four Viking Kings ruled England
These four kings were actually a family generation. Sweyn Forkbeard, Cnut, Harald Harefoot, and Hardicanute. Sweyn Forkbeard at his time was famous as he was the son of Harald Bluetooth who inspired the modern name of Bluetooth - wireless connection technology.
Sweyn Forkbeard was a true pagan. His mindset vividly reflected it because Sweyn would welcome any new religion as long as they welcomed his. But if any religion wanted to rid of the Viking gods, Sweyn Forkbeard would declare eternal war on them. Just like the way he did to his father.
Sweyn Forkbeard's eyes did not focus on the Viking territory but also others like Anglo-Saxon. And he did take the throne of king Æthelred. His son Cnut the Great and grandchildren also took the throne.
Not all of the Vikings could be buried with boat
We might think all of the Vikings were buried inside a boat and the living would push it into the ocean (?). Yes, this might be historically true. But it would not take too many in the Viking population.
Only those who are extremely wealthy could deserve such a funeral for themselves. The normal Vikings would only be buried in the graveyard. Some of the burial would imitate the shape of a boat.
Swords could cost a lifetime fortune
An ideal Viking sword was a double-edged weapon which was light enough to handle and flexible use but still strong enough to shred the enemies down to their knees. The Viking warriors might use one or both of their hands to control their swords Thereby, if the swords were not light enough, the warriors might soon get tired and lose the battles.
Most Viking swords were light, weighing around two pounds (nearly one kilogram); however, there were swords which were as heavy as four pounds (approximately two kilos).
The most important thing is, not all of the Viking warriors could afford a sword in their life. Because they were very expensive. Only those who were wealthy or held a high social status could.
