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Viking warbands vs. medieval armies: How did they fight?
Renowned as some of the most ferocious and feared fighters of the early medieval period, Vikings regularly went into battle against larger armies. How the Vikings fought against medieval armies was truly revolutionary.1 year ago — Warfare -
5 myths about Vikings everyone got wrong
In an era where, sadly, truth has now turned subjective, the world is awash with disinformation and misinformation. This sad state of affairs has also impacted our modern depictions and conceptions of the Vikings.1 year ago — Legacy -
From Gjermundbu to Kyiv: Exploring the five known Viking helmets
Despite Hollywood depictions of Vikings in battle, where every Viking is shown wearing a shiny helmet, archeological evidence of Viking helmets is quite scarce.2 years ago — Warfare -
The Battle of Edington: Alfred's great military triumph
Isolated in a dangerous and hostile world. No, we're not talking about certain British politicians' views of the UK post-Brexit; we are talking about King Alfred the Great facing the Vikings. A seemingly unstoppable Viking force had steamrolled all opposition in the British Isles since 793.2 years ago — Warfare -
Was a Viking saint responsible for the nursery rhyme "London Bridge is falling down"?
Olaf Haraldsson, better known in Norway as Saint Olaf, spent time as a mercenary in the employ of Anglo-Saxon King Æthelred the Unready. During that time, he was said to have been responsible for pulling down London Bridge to stop fellow Vikings sailing up the river Thames to plague his benefactor.2 years ago — Legacy -
The Battle of Svolder: A glimpse into Viking naval warfare
At the turn of the first millennium, an epic Viking battle was fought on the high seas. Two massive armadas clashed in the waters between what is now Denmark and Sweden. This battle resulted in not only the division of a kingdom but also a temporary setback of Christianity in Scandinavia.2 years ago — Warfare -
The backbone of Viking armies: Understanding the role of huscarls
Huscarls, elite warriors from Anglo-Saxon and Viking societies, showed steadfast loyalty and skill in protecting their nobles, often to the death. Their formidable reputation is thought to have inspired the formation of the Byzantine Empire's Varangian Guard.3 years ago — Warfare -
Viking bows and arrows: The silent killers of the North
Whilst many a Hollywood depiction of a Viking has them brandishing a sword or an axe, these fierce early medieval warriors were skillful in the use of a bow and arrow. A weapon of choice both on the battlefield and in the woods, a bow and arrow were a valuable part of any Viking arsenal.3 years ago — Warfare -
Who was Harald Hardrada? Part 2: Politics, power, and six feet of English soil
Was there a more dangerous and skillful warrior than Harald Hardrada by the mid-1030s CE? For more than two decades, since he set foot on the battlefield at Stiklestad as a mere teenager, wet behind the ears, his life had been defined by his martial skill.3 years ago — History -
What you need to know about Viking armor
Whilst one of the most famous symbols of the Viking Age is the famous Gjermundbu helmet, surprisingly little is known more broadly about Viking-era armor.3 years ago — Warfare
