Jonathan Williamson
662
articles
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A Christian Viking: Why conversion did not necessarily end raiding
Changing hearts and souls is one thing, but changing societal behavior is quite another. We look at why the Christianization of Scandinavia did not see the cessation of Viking raids.3 days ago — Culture and religion -
Long after your last raid: Aging in the era of Vikings
In an era of societal instability, widespread violence, and Viking raids, growing old was certainly a different experience for people living throughout the Viking Age. We look at how Viking societies dealt with the process of aging and the elderly.4 weeks ago — Culture and religion -
Silver under the soil: What Viking hoards reveal about wealth, fear, and trade
Some of the most valuable sources for understanding people in Norse societies are buried 6 feet under. We look at the practicalities and psychology of Viking hoards.4 weeks ago — History -
What happened to the Rurik dynasty?
Ruling a huge swathe of Eastern Europe during the medieval period, this dynasty was said to have been founded by Viking warriors. Their legacy stretches long after the last Viking ship ever sailed and was instrumental in the making of modern Russia.1 month ago — History -
The Baltic peoples encountered by the Vikings
The Baltic Sea became a key Norse waterway in the early medieval period. This period saw cultural contact and varied interactions between people from Norse societies and the Baltic peoples living in the region.1 month ago — History -
Before the Viking Age: the people, kingdoms and cultures of early Scandinavia
The Viking Age did not simply start overnight. This age can be seen as the culmination of centuries of economic, cultural, religious, and social development. We look at Scandinavia before the Vikings.1 month ago — History -
Finland and the long legacy of Viking history
Early medieval Europe's most feared warriors, the Vikings, are often popularly associated only with Scandinavia. However, their eastern Nordic neighbor, Finland, has a rich Viking history that should not be overlooked.1 month ago — History -
What do the sources actually say about Viking berserkers?
Famed for their bloodlust and ferocity in battle, berserkers are often popularly thought of as the shock troops of Viking forces. We turn to the sources to try to see if Hollywood depictions of Viking berserkers hold any historical truth.1 month ago — Culture and religion -
Did Sviatopolk really kill his brothers to seize the throne of Kyivan Rus?
A ruler of the Kyivan Rus was said to have cut a bloody path to secure ultimate power. We look at the truth behind the rise of Sviatopolk the Accursed.1 month ago — History -
Viking women in law: Property, marriage, divorce, and power
A common historical stereotype is that women in Viking societies enjoyed a far greater amount of autonomy and independence than their contemporaries in other early medieval societies. This article looks at whether this stereotype carries any historical weight.2 months ago — Culture and religion