Vikings Live: a tour from the British Museum
The British Museum・2 minutes read
The British Museum is hosting a Viking exhibition showcasing a royal warship, spanning four continents and a thousand years to highlight the Vikings' global impact. Dr. Gareth Williams curated the exhibition, revealing new information on Viking society, shipbuilding techniques, burial rituals, and cultural influences found in names, language, and genetics.
Insights
- The Vikings were not a unified ethnic group but rather referred to pirates or raiders, with ships being a central aspect of their identity and society, showcasing their maritime-based culture and extensive travels across continents.
- Viking women played significant roles in Viking society, managing households, conducting rituals, and possibly wielding swords, challenging traditional gender roles and enhancing their status in society, as evidenced by their ownership of high-status items and involvement in important cultural practices.
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Recent questions
What is the focus of the exhibition at the British Museum in London?
The exhibition at the British Museum in London showcases Viking artifacts and a Viking royal warship, highlighting the impact of the Vikings on the world over a thousand years.
How were Viking ships constructed and what made them unique?
Viking ships were clinker-built, using metal nails and washers for fastening. They were designed to be light, flexible, and able to handle heavy seas, built for speed and flexibility. The shipbuilding process involved steam bending planks to create the ship's shape, with a full-size Viking ship construction taking about 18 months with a team of ten men.
What were some key aspects of Viking society and culture?
Viking society was maritime-based, with everyone having access to water transport. Viking burials provide insight into their beliefs and culture, sometimes using ships as burial vessels for the dead. Viking children's lives are revealed through preserved toys like toy boats found in Dublin and Denmark, showcasing aspects of their daily lives.
How did Viking women contribute to society and challenge traditional roles?
Viking women played crucial roles at home, managing households, owning high-status items like gold chains, brooches, and ear scoops. They had authority in conducting sacrifices, healing, and possibly practicing sorcery, enhancing their status in society. Evidence suggests Viking women may have wielded swords, challenging traditional gender roles.
What impact did the Vikings have on language and culture in Britain?
The British landscape bears Viking influence through Scandinavian-origin words and place names, with names ending in "by" indicating Scandinavian influence. Major places like Swansea and Fishguard have Scandinavian names, reflecting Viking heritage. Family names like Brand and Gunnhild derive from Scandinavian personal names, indicating Viking ancestry and their lasting impact on British culture.
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