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Viking Age combs: Style, hygiene, and identity
Combs are some of the most common finds by archeologists during excavations of Viking-era graves and settlements. Their analysis enables us to gain insights into notions of cleanliness and how people in Viking societies presented themselves.7 months ago — Culture and religion -
The Viking toilet: Hygiene and sanitation in the north
An often overlooked but necessary aspect of everyday life for all people in Viking society was what happens when nature calls. We do a deep dive into the noxious world of Viking-era hygiene and sanitation.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Book review: Muslims on the Volga during the Viking Age – In the Footsteps of Ibn Fadlan
Worlds collide in this collection of more than 19 essays that detail interactions between the Islamic world, people from Viking societies, and a myriad of other cultures along the Volga River during the 10th century.1 year ago — Reviews -
Did Viking warriors really paint their faces before battle?
Though Hollywood and streaming services would hate us for busting this myth, there is little historical evidence that Vikings painted their faces before bloody battles.1 year ago — Legacy -
Ibn Fadlan's chronicles: When the Arab explorer met the Vikings
Travel writers must have a tough life. They make a living swanning around the world, experiencing new cultures, countries, and people while making pithy observations. However, did you know that one of the originators of travel writing was a 10th-century Islamic scholar and traveler named Ibn Fadlan?2 years ago — History -
What did the Vikings really look like?
Whilst their Scandinavian ancestors may be typeset as all blonde-haired and blue-eyed, people in Viking societies had as much diversity in appearance as we had today. Recent scientific and archaeological evidence has uncovered some myth-busting aspects of what they really looked like.3 years ago — Legacy
