The Vikings have a reputation for brutality that has endured for over a thousand years. One of the most gruesome tales associated with these Norse warriors is the “blood eagle” – a horrific method of execution said to have been practiced on their enemies. But did this terrifying ritual really happen in Viking-controlled York? Let’s…
The Rise of Viking Mercenaries In the 9th century, Viking raiders shifted from simple plundering to a more profitable enterprise – selling their military services to warring Frankish kings. This change turned warfare into a lucrative business for the Scandinavian warriors. The opportunity arose when Charlemagne’s grandsons started a civil war in 841 AD, pitting…
In 2011, a routine road construction project on Saaremaa Island, Estonia, stumbled upon something extraordinary. What workers uncovered would shake the foundations of Viking history and force scholars to rethink everything they thought they knew about these legendary Norse warriors. The Salme Ship Burials: A Game-Changing Find On the shores of Saaremaa, archaeologists unearthed two…
The Viking Age was a time of terror and turmoil for many in Europe. But before the Norse raiders arrived on foreign shores, strange signs appeared that seemed to warn of the coming storm. Let’s explore the eerie omens that preceded the Viking attacks and how they affected the people who witnessed them. Hunger Grips…