Appearance
The Vikings were typically tall, with fair hair and blue eyes. They wore simple clothing made from animal skins or wool. Men often wore tunics, trousers, and cloaks, while women wore dresses, aprons, and shawls.
Weapons and Armor
Viking warriors were armed with a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, axes, and bows and arrows. They also used shields to protect themselves from enemy attacks. Viking armor was typically made from leather or metal, and it often included a helmet, breastplate, and greaves.
Ships
The Vikings were expert shipbuilders, and they constructed a variety of vessels, including longships, knarrs, and cargo ships. Longships were the most common type of Viking ship, and they were used for raiding, trading, and exploration. Knarrs were larger vessels that were used for transporting goods and people. Cargo ships were even larger still, and they were used for long-distance trade.
Culture
The Vikings were a pagan people who worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses. Odin, Thor, and Freya were some of the most important Viking deities. The Vikings also believed in Valhalla, a heaven where fallen warriors could feast and fight forever.
Viking society was divided into three classes: the jarls, the karls, and the thralls. The jarls were the nobility, and they ruled over the karls, who were the free men. The thralls were slaves.
The Vikings were skilled farmers, craftsmen, and artists. They produced a variety of goods, including weapons, jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Viking art is often characterized by its intricate designs and use of symbols.
Legacy
The Vikings had a profound impact on the history of Europe and North America. They raided and settled in many parts of these regions, and they introduced new technologies, ideas, and customs. The Vikings also played an important role in the development of modern Scandinavian culture.