Presents a history of the Nordic warriors and explorers who plundered and traded their way across Europe, and discusses how their conquests helped spread and enhance accomplishments in the arts, culture, and government.

From Finland to Newfoundland and Jelling to Jerusalem, follow in the wake of the Vikings -- a transformative story of a people that begins with paganism and ends in Christendom. Focusing on key events, including the sack of Lindisfarne in 793 and the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, medieval history expert John Haywood recounts the saga of the Viking Age, from the creation of the world through to the dwindling years of halfhearted raids and elegiac...

"Do you think you would have enjoyed living during the Viking age? Growing up Viking was not for the weak--even their pets were ferocious! This book is full of fascinating facts about Viking daily life, religion, raiding and trading, and family life."--

As explorers and traders, the Vikings played a decisive role in the formation of Latin Christendom, and particularly of Western Europe. In this course the Vikings will be studied not only as warriors, but also in other roles for which they are equally extraordinary: merchants, artists, kings, raiders, seafarers, shipbuilders, and creators of a remarkable literature of myths and sagas.

A fascinating and authoritative account of the world of the Viking complemented by a wealth of illustrators.

"Known for their vicious raids, love of treasure, and fierce warriors: the Vikings were the most feared invaders of the Medieval period. For 300 years, they terrorized the world in their hunt for land and power, but they also had a rich culture in art, literature, and law. Packed with facts, maps, infographics, and photos, this is the perfect introduction to the most feared invaders of the Middle Ages. Covering where they came from and who they conquered,...