Archaeology of the Viking Age

Unit 1 – Viking Origins and Expansion

Unit 2 – Viking Ships: Technology & Navigation

Unit 3 – Viking Settlement and Urban Growth

Unit 4 – Viking Trade and Economic Networks

Unit 5 – Viking Warfare and Military Organization

Unit 6 – Norse Mythology and Religion in Viking Age

Unit 7 – Viking Society: Domestic Life & Structure

Unit 8 – Viking Crafts and Material Culture

Unit 9 – Viking Art and Iconography

Unit 10 – Viking Runes and Literacy

Unit 11 – Viking Cultural Interactions

Unit 12 – Viking Legacy: Impact on Modern Archaeology

## What do you learn in Archaeology of the Viking Age

You'll explore Viking culture through archaeological evidence, focusing on settlements, trade networks, and material culture. The class covers excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and interpreting Norse sites. You'll learn about Viking ships, burial practices, and how archaeology sheds light on their daily lives, beliefs, and expansion across Europe and beyond.

## Is Archaeology of the Viking Age hard?

It's not the easiest class, but it's definitely manageable. The toughest part is remembering all the archaeological sites and their significance. You'll need to get comfortable with technical terms and dating methods. The readings can be dense, but the subject matter is so interesting that it makes up for it. Most students find the hands-on artifact analysis pretty fun.

## Tips for taking Archaeology of the Viking Age in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline of Viking Age events and archaeological discoveries
3. Practice identifying artifacts from images - it'll help during exams
4. Join study groups to discuss interpretations of archaeological evidence
5. Visit local museums with Viking exhibits to see artifacts firsthand
6. Watch "Vikings" on History Channel for context (but don't take it as 100% fact)
7. Read "The Vikings: A History" by Robert Ferguson for extra background

## Common pre-requisites for Archaeology of the Viking Age

1. Introduction to Archaeology: This course covers basic archaeological methods and theories. You'll learn about excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and how archaeologists interpret the past.

2. European History to 1500: This class provides a broad overview of European history from ancient times to the late Middle Ages. It'll give you the historical context needed to understand the Viking Age.

## Classes similar to Archaeology of the Viking Age

1. Medieval Archaeology: Explores archaeological evidence from the Middle Ages in Europe. You'll learn about castles, monasteries, and medieval towns through material culture.

2. Maritime Archaeology: Focuses on underwater archaeology and the study of ships and seafaring. You'll learn about techniques for excavating shipwrecks and interpreting nautical artifacts.

3. Norse Mythology and Literature: Examines the myths, sagas, and literature of the Viking Age. You'll explore how these stories relate to archaeological findings and Viking culture.

4. Scandinavian History: Covers the history of Scandinavia from prehistoric times to the present. You'll get a broader context for understanding Viking society and its legacy.

## Majors related to Archaeology of the Viking Age

1. Archaeology: Focuses on the study of human history through the excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods, lab techniques, and how to interpret material culture.

2. Anthropology: Examines human cultures, both past and present, through a holistic approach. Students study cultural practices, human evolution, and how societies develop and change over time.

3. History: Concentrates on understanding and interpreting past events and their significance. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary sources to construct historical narratives.

4. Medieval Studies: Explores various aspects of medieval European society, culture, and history. Students examine literature, art, religion, and social structures of the Middle Ages.

## What can you do with a degree in Archaeology of the Viking Age?

1. Museum Curator: Manages and interprets collections of artifacts for public display. Curators research objects, plan exhibitions, and work to preserve historical items.

2. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and historical resources. They assess the impact of construction projects on cultural heritage and ensure compliance with preservation laws.

3. Archaeology Field Technician: Participates in archaeological excavations and surveys. Field techs assist in site mapping, artifact recovery, and preliminary analysis of findings.

4. Historical Consultant: Provides expert advice on historical accuracy for media productions or heritage sites. Consultants research and verify historical details for films, TV shows, or museum exhibits.

## Archaeology of the Viking Age FAQs

1. Do we go on any field trips? Many professors organize visits to local museums or archaeological sites, but it depends on your location and the specific course.

2. Is there a lot of writing in this class? You'll typically have to write research papers and site reports, but the amount varies by professor.

3. How much math is involved? There's some basic math for dating techniques and measurements, but nothing too complex.

4. Can I study abroad for this course? Some universities offer study abroad programs to Scandinavia for hands-on experience at Viking sites.

Anthropology

Archaeology

1.1 Scandinavian Iron Age

1.3 Norse colonization

1.4 Viking Age chronology

1.2 Early Viking raids

1.5 Causes of Viking expansion

1.6 Key Viking homelands

2.1 Longships

2.2 Knarrs

2.3 Shipbuilding techniques

2.4 Navigation methods

2.5 Maritime trade routes

2.6 Naval warfare tactics

3.1 Norse farmsteads

3.3 Fortifications and defenses

3.5 Norse architecture

3.2 Viking Age towns

3.4 Land management practices

3.6 Urban planning in Viking settlements

4.1 Viking Age marketplaces

4.2 Long-distance trade routes

4.3 Commodities and goods

4.4 Currency and silver economy

4.6 Economic impact on local populations

4.5 Trade centers and emporia

5.1 Viking Age weapons

5.3 Battle tactics and strategies

5.2 Armor and defensive gear

5.4 Raiding practices

5.5 Military leadership

5.6 Fortifications and defensive structures

6.2 Creation myths

6.3 Afterlife beliefs

6.4 Religious rituals and ceremonies

6.5 Cult sites and temples

6.6 Christianization of the Norse

6.1 Norse pantheon

7.1 Norse family structure

7.2 Gender roles and relations

7.3 Social hierarchy

7.5 Feasting and hospitality

7.4 Law and governance

7.6 Childhood and education

8.1 Metalworking

8.2 Woodworking

8.3 Textile production

8.4 Pottery and ceramics

8.5 Jewelry making

8.6 Tool production

9.1 Animal styles

9.2 Norse art motifs

9.3 Picture stones

9.4 Decorative metalwork

9.5 Wood carving

9.6 Textile art

10.1 Runic alphabet

10.2 Types of runic inscriptions

10.3 Runestones

10.4 Literacy in Viking society

10.5 Runic calendars

10.6 Preservation and interpretation of runic texts

11.1 Norse in Britain and Ireland

11.2 Vikings in Francia

11.3 Scandinavian presence in Eastern Europe

11.4 Norse exploration of North America

11.5 Cultural exchange and assimilation

11.6 Diplomatic relations and alliances

12.5 Isotope analysis in Viking archaeology

12.2 Excavation techniques for Viking settlements

12.3 Preservation of Viking artifacts

12.1 Major Viking Age archaeological sites

12.4 DNA studies and population genetics

12.6 Public archaeology and Viking heritage tourism

Browse all Archaeology of the Viking Age Key Terms

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