Norwegian Historic Viking Center, Rogaland, Norway
Fjord Norway has a rich historical heritage and many visible traces of the Vikings, who ruled the country for an era between AD 800 to 1066.
Historically, the Viking era began with the attack on Lindisfarne monastery in AD 793, and ended with the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, when the English army successfully repelled the Viking invaders led by King Harald Hardråde.
The Vikings’ seaworthiness and impulsiveness led to the development of new areas along the Norwegian coast, westward to Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Shetland, Orkney, Scotland, Ireland and Greenland. The Norwegian Vikings also discovered Vinland, present-day America, long before Columbus.
Before the first millennium, iron tools were introduced into agriculture and there was a shortage of land to cultivate. During the same period, the King’s power increased and he demanded large taxes from the population. Many emigrated to seek fortune and freedom, and pillaging became an alternative source of income.
Epic Norway Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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