Vikings were raiders and conquerors from Scandinavia who attacked other countries in Europe between 793 AD to 1066 AD.
They conquered England, Normandy in Northern France, large areas in Scotland and Ireland and founded large kingdoms in what is now Russia and Ukraine. Large cities like Paris and Cologne were also raided. But what was the reason behind their success?
Experienced fighters
First of all the the Scandinavian war lords had been fighting one another for centuries. So people where battle hardened by the time they started their attacks.
Pitiful opponents
many armies who fought against te Vikings were poorly trained and ill equipped. The main bulk of such an army would be poor farmers with little fighting experience. in addition would take days to assemble an army, and then the vikings had already left
War was a part of their religion
Vikings believed in Thor and Odin who were warrior gods. Dying in battle as a way of securing a place in Valhalla which was the version of heaven in Viking religion. Being deemed as a great warrior was the greatest honor a Viking could achieve.
The viking ships
The Viking ship is probably the most important reason behind the Viking success. With their long ship the vikings could cross open oceans with great speeds and attack a city or a country which had not made any preparations for war. what so ever. The same vessels that brought the vikings over seas could also sail on shallow rivers and attack cities that did not expect an invading army coming by boat.
Planning and spying
The Viking raids were obviously very well planned. Often the Vikings would make their moves during a high holiday when nobody was expecting to be attacked. They were also well informed about the geography of the places they invaded. Obviously they had an extensive network of spies
Fight another day
When things were not favorable to the Vikings there was no shame in withdrawing and then come back to fight another day. Although courage was in high esteem being shrewd .was admired too.
Armor
Because of their trading routes vikings had access to the best weapons produced around Europe and the near east. For instance Many Vikings had swords forged in Central Asia where they had a better technique producing strong blades. An English soldier for instance would not have the same pick in armor.
Tall Muscular Scandinavians
The general description of the vikings was that they were larger in body size and more muscular than other people. Archeology has proved this and it is no secret that in a time soldiers were swinging heavy battle axes and wearing iron helmets being strong was a huge advantage.
Infighting among enemies
Another important part of the viking success is that many countries in Europe were greatly divided. Emperor Charlemagne had divided his empire between his sons, and they were still fighting one another after the Vikings started their attacks. Many kings also fared riots and had disarmed their citizens before the Viking onslaught.
.But!!!
Still the Vikings were not always successful and lost many battles.
As times passed the armies of Europe became better trained and better equipped.
Kings could also defend their territories against the vikings by employing other Vikings to fight for them.
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