Thanks to popular films and books, today many modern myths arose around the ancient Vikings, fanned by a halo of romance and adventure. However, recent historical research has revealed a lot of new things about life, travel and wars of the ancients from the Scandinavians.
What was the actual weaponry of the Vikings
Most often, when imagining a Viking, the common man's imagination draws a bearded warrior in a horned helmet. However, for all the time of archaeological research, the horned helmet was found only once, and even that one was most likely used for ritual purposes. The Vikings wore ordinary helmets without any horns.
Vikings did not wear horned helmets
But until recently, scientists have paid much less attention to such an element of weapons and protection as a shield than it should have. According to recent research, a round shield with a metal umbon (a sphere in the middle) was used by the Vikings in battle much more actively than was previously thought, together with an ax, turning into a formidable attacking weapon in the hands of skilled warriors.
One of the most important discoveries of recent times was the reassessment of the role of the sword in the life of the Vikings. The fact is that a good sword cost a lot of money and was often passed down within the family from generation to generation. Naturally, in such a situation, the sword was treated very, very carefully. According to the conclusion of scientists, even the best swords of the Vikings were not so strong, so it was too expensive to use these weapons in battles, and very few could afford to fight with a sword. Most of the ancient Scandinavians preferred to go into battle with axes, and swords played a more status role in their lives. The better and more expensive the sword hangs on the warrior's belt, the more loot he had, which means the higher his merits, valor and luck.
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What were the characters of the Vikings
I must say that the Vikings valued the success of their leader above all other talents and valor. However, in their understanding, the concept of luck had a broader meaning than in our time. If simple warriors returned from a campaign alive and with good prey, then their leader was lucky, and many more soldiers and other leaders could go on the next campaign with him.
A common misconception is that the Vikings are hot-tempered, uncontrollable, cruel and even bloodthirsty people. But if they really were like that, several dozen armed maniacs-thugs simply could not get along in peace for many weeks of sea voyages in a small ship. According to historical information, strict discipline and a clear hierarchy reigned among the Vikings.
As for the robberies and murders that were attributed to the ancient warriors, you need to understand that a thousand years ago, the system of relationships in society, as well as the concepts of good and evil, were very different from modern ones. We shouldn't judge our distant ancestors from the point of view of modern morality.
How the Vikings lived in peacetime
There are many interesting things to tell about the peaceful life of the Vikings. The Vikings were very clean, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds of combs, razors and special tongs. The inhabitants of the British Isles, after the first meetings with the Vikings, even nicknamed them clean-ups for their habit of washing at least once a week, which was very common at that time. To this day, in some Scandinavian dialects, Saturday is designated as the day of washing.
By the way, the modern Icelandic language is very close to the Old Scandinavian, so even Icelandic schoolchildren can safely read the ancient Viking epics in the original.
Contrary to popular belief, most Vikings were common farmers, not warriors. Ancient Scandinavian women could choose their own husbands, and men could have several wives. At the same time, Viking women often took part in campaigns, sharing all the hardships and hardships on an equal basis with men, participating in battles and claiming their share of the booty.
Of course, the Vikings were very extraordinary people, leaving a noticeable mark in the history of the ancient world and greatly influencing the modern human civilization. It is possible that in each of us, modern people, some part of these ancient farmers, sailors and warriors has been preserved.