What was life like in Viking Britain? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

How was Viking society organised? 

The Vikings were more than just fierce warriors; many came to Britain seeking peaceful lives.

Who was Eric Bloodaxe? 

Eric 'Bloodaxe' was a significant Norwegian leader who ruled over York during the 950s.

• Coins Minted: A total of 31 coins that bore his name were minted in York.
• Fate: He was eventually betrayed and killed in AD 954.

What jobs did Vikings do? 

A significant number of Vikings were engaged in agriculture. Farming was labor-intensive, as all tasks had to be performed manually.

• Common Crops: Farmers cultivated oats, barley, and wheat, which they used to make flour, porridge, and ale.
• Livestock: They also raised animals such as cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens.

Other professions included:

• Craft Workers: Created household items such as plates, cups, belts, and shoes.
• Jewellers: Crafted rings and brooches from precious metals.
• Blacksmiths: Forged tools, knives, and swords from iron.
• Potters: Made clay pots using wood-fired ovens.

Goods produced by these workers were sold in markets, where families could purchase a variety of items ranging from amber beads to wolf skins. Vikings also travelled to acquire valuable items like silver, silk, spices, and furs.

Where did Vikings live? 

• Living Arrangements: Viking families typically lived in a longhouse, which was a single room shared with livestock, making it quite crowded and often unpleasant.
• Construction Materials: These homes were built using wood or stone, topped with a thatched or turf roof.
• Sanitation: While there were no bathrooms, Vikings maintained cleanliness by washing in wooden buckets or streams.
• Waste Disposal: They used cesspits, which were holes dug outside for toilet waste.

What did the Vikings believe? 

• The Norse cherished their pantheon of gods, weaving tales of enchantment and mythical creatures by the fireside. 
• Vikings eagerly shared myths and legends celebrating their deities.

Did the Vikings have laws? 

• Legal System: Vikings had their own set of laws and a system of governance.
• Thing Meetings: Community gatherings called 'Things' were held to discuss issues and make decisions.
• Voting Rights: Participants could vote on matters such as land ownership and criminal punishment.
• Law-Speaker: A designated judge known as the law-speaker oversaw these meetings.
• Oral Tradition: Viking laws were not documented but passed down orally.
• Outlaws: Those who broke the law became outlaws, living in exile and subject to being hunted.
• Holmgang: Disputes could also be settled through a duel known as Holmgang, where the winner was seen as favored by the gods.