The Viking Age, as we know it, lasted from 750CE until 1100CE. These people from Norway, Denmark and Sweden travelled far and wide – as far east as central Asia and as far west as North America. But how and why were they able to achieve these great feats of exploration and settlement?
The history mystery video explores the mysteries of the Viking Age by visiting the British Museum, the seaside village of Ramsgate, the city of York, the West Stow Anglo Saxon village and the Ornavik Historic Park in Normandy and poses the question – were the Vikings cruel berserkers or did they successfully settle in new lands by integrating with the existing population?
There are seven specific investigations for you to tackle in truly interactive ways through map analysis, interactive timelines, archaeological digs, empathy games, picture analysis, museum presentations, decision-makers, and reflection activities.
Case Study unit of work inquiry structure
- ACTIVITY 1 Video introduction: Who were the Vikings and what was their impact upon Britain?
Join Tim Gurry as he investigates the origins of the Viking people and evidence of their impact upon Britain. - ACTIVITY 2 The Vikings – where, when, how?
Explore the origins of the Vikings, impact of the environment upon their lifestyle and the scope of Viking settlements through the ages. - ACTIVITY 3 How can we investigate the Viking age?
Examine evidence of the past and the science of archaeology and conduct your own Viking dig. - ACTIVITY 4 How does a city present its Viking past?
‘Travel’ to York in Britain to visit the Jorvik Viking Centre and investigate how this city presents its Viking past to the world. - ACTIVITY 5 Where would you build your Viking camp?
You are the leader of a Viking party that has landed on new shores. You have not yet been confronted by Anglo-Saxon tribes and the land looks promising. You decide that this would be a good place for you to establish a settlement. But to do this you will have to make some careful decisions to help the settlement thrive! - ACTIVITY 6 Investigating the Vikings of Normandy
Summarise what you have learned about the Viking age by exploring the Anglo-Saxon and Viking settlements at Ornavik in Normandy France. - ACTIVITY 7 Reflection Activity
Take a quiz to test your knowledge and understanding of the Viking Age.
