Vikings

The History Behind "The Northman"

by David M. Perry and Matthew Gabriele

The new epic has been billed as the most historically accurate Viking epic to play on screen, but it's accuracy comes from its effort to capture the subjective nature of Norse spirituality and supernatural belief and the narrative forms recognized by medieval audiences.

Was the Legendary Viking "Blood Eagle" Torture Real?

by David M. Perry and Matthew Gabriele

"The blood eagle’s prominence within Viking society—both during the medieval era and as ascribed in the centuries since—stems from its emphasis on ritual and revenge."

Viking Map of Americas Shown to be a 20th Century Forgery

by David M. Perry and Matthew Gabriele

Both financial gain and the prevalent sectarian conflicts over immigration and nationality in early 20th century America probably motivated the forgery and muted the inclination to challenge it. 

New Discoveries Chip Away at Myths about Viking Shipbuilding

by Nancy Marie Brown

Recent archaeological work, and field-testing of replica boats, is overturning the common image of the Viking warship. 

‘Viking’ Was a Job Description, Not a Matter of Heredity, Massive Ancient DNA Study Shows

A large DNA study of samples from Viking remains casts doubt on the idea that participation was a hereditary or ethnic phenomenon. Being a Viking was a job. 

Viking History Is Melting Away in Greenland

Climate change is already rotting archaeological sites in the Arctic, and Norse Viking-era settlements are at high risk

We Shouldn’t Let the Racists Own the Vikings

by Linnea Hartsuyker

Why I wrote a novel about the Vikings and what I learned about them.

White supremacists love Vikings. But they’ve got history all wrong.

by David Perry

Why the accused Portland killer and others see Vinland as an inspiration.

Vikings Possibly Spread Smooth-Riding Horses Around the World

DNA analysis of ancient horse remains suggests that ambling horses arose in England and Iceland before spreading to the rest of Eurasia.

Who Really Discovered America?

by Ed Simon

That’s a complicated and fraught question that no fresh discovery of the Vikings’ presence, however important, can answer.

Norway Again Embraces the Vikings, Minus the Violence

Formerly a teacher and jewelry maker in Denmark, Jeppe Nordmann Garly last month began a new job on a hillside campus in central Norway as the director of Scandinavia’s first government-funded training course on how to live like a Viking.

Ancient Vikings Settled Greenland for the Ivory

New archaeological research hints at a new reason for Vikings’ Greenland occupation.

How the Vikings Saved Europe and Got a Terrible Reputation

History teaches us that the Vikings were brutal, thieving invaders, but much of that history was written by Viking victims: European monks. New evidence says otherwise.

Six Things You Didn't Know About the Vikings

by Anders Winroth

There was more to the Vikings then their reputation suggests.

Vikings are having a great year!

by Julian Richards

In March a blockbuster exhibition opened in the new BP Gallery at the British Museum and tens of thousands have flocked to see the largest collection of Viking treasure ever to be displayed in the British Isles.

Medieval compass guided Vikings after sunset

The remains of the supposed compass — known as the Uunartoq disc— were found in Greenland in 1948 in an 11th-century convent.

PhD researcher cracks Norse rune codes

With the discovery, the mysterious runes can now be translated. They read "kiss me." Seriously.

Social Networks in Norse Sagas

Vikings -- turns out they're just like us.

Norwegian Vikings purchased silk from Persia

Norway was deeply involved in the silk trade.

Viking 'parliament' discovered under parking lot in Scotland

A Viking parliamentary site that dates to the 11th century has been found beneath a parking lot in Scotland.