SA613 The World of the Vikings

Contents and structure

The course looks at the historical development in Scandinavia between the 8th and 11th century. This period is often referred to as the Viking Age in Scandinavian historical writing. At the start of this period the political situation within Scandinavia was very fragmented, but by the end of the period three separate kingdoms had emerged, that of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. However, throughout the period Scandinavians shared a common language and culture. By the beginning of the period this was represented by Norse language and Norse religion before the Christianization and state formation process integrated Scandinavia into a common European culture from the 10th and 11th century onward.