Learning: The Rise of the Vikings WH.T2.M4.03

Objective

• WH Standard 3.1: Students will use patterns in trade and settlement to explain how geographic features such as the Indian Ocean, the Saharan Desert, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Strait of Malacca, and the Mediterranean Sea supported or impeded

 Task

The Vikings were a seafaring people from the late eighth to early 11th century who established a name for themselves as traders, explorers and warriors. They discovered the Americas long before Columbus and could be found as far east as the distant reaches of Russia. 

While these people are often attributed as savages raiding the more civilized nations for treasure and women, the motives and culture of the Viking people are much more diverse. These raiders also facilitated many changes throughout the lands from economics to warfare.

The Viking Age

Many historians commonly associate the term "Viking" to the Scandinavian term vikingr, a word for "pirate." However, the term is meant to reference oversea expeditions, and was used as a verb by the Scandinavian people for when the men traditionally took time out of their summers to go "a Viking." While many would believe these expeditions entailed the raiding of monasteries and cities along the coast, many expeditions were actually with the goal of trade and enlisting as foreign mercenaries.

• DOWNLOAD the assignment document: WH.T2.M4.03 Learning: The Rise of the Vikings Links to an external site.
• Review the website and reading linked on the Resources tab.
• Use what you learn to respond to the questions in the assignment document.
  • Be sure your responses are full sentences that fully answer the question, using specific examples or additional details to support your thinking. 
• Submit your completed assignment document here.

 Resources

• Website: The Realm of the Vikings Links to an external site.
• Reading: Viking Raid Narrative Links to an external site.