Bettany Hughes presents Vikings: Life and Legend

Summary

The Vikings were once seen as ruthless raiders, but the British Museum's exhibition, 'Vikings: Life and Legend,' reveals a more complex and nuanced story. Beyond their violent raids, they were also explorers, traders, diplomats, and artists. The centerpiece of the exhibit is the Roskilde 6, the largest Viking ship ever found, symbolizing their maritime prowess. The Vikings spanned continents, engaging in slave trading and global commerce. Their legacy includes remarkable artifacts from various cultures, showcasing their cosmopolitan nature. The exhibition sheds light on how the Vikings' actions have shaped the modern world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Vikings were historically seen as brutal raiders, but they were also explorers, diplomats, traders, artists, and settlers.
• 😀 The first Viking exhibition in 30 years at the British Museum offers a more nuanced and accurate view of Viking life and culture.
• 😀 Vikings were not only capable of cruelty, but also engaged in complex activities such as trade, exploration, and diplomacy.
• 😀 The Viking ships, especially the largest one ever discovered (the Ros Gilda 6), were central to their exploration and success as a maritime society.
• 😀 The Vikings spanned four continents, reaching as far west as North America and as far south as Morocco in North Africa.
• 😀 There was a significant slave trade by the Vikings, who captured and traded slaves along with raw materials and precious goods.
• 😀 Vikings traded goods like silver, silk, amber, tusks, furs, and wine, turning their plundered wealth into valuable artifacts.
• 😀 The Veil of York Horde, discovered recently, showcases the Vikings' cosmopolitan nature with materials from four continents and multiple belief systems.
• 😀 The artifacts in the Veil of York Horde include Islamic coins, gold and silver from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Iceland, highlighting Viking global trade connections.
• 😀 The Vikings' legacy is shaped by both their violent raids and their profound impact on world trade, culture, and exploration.

Q & A

What is the focus of the 'Vikings Life and Legend' exhibition at the British Museum?

The exhibition offers a more nuanced view of Vikings, showcasing not just their brutality but also their achievements as explorers, diplomats, artists, traders, and settlers.

How does the exhibition differ from traditional views of Vikings?

Traditional views often depict Vikings as purely violent raiders, but the exhibition presents them as multifaceted people, highlighting their cultural and technological contributions.

What role did Viking ships play in their society?

Viking ships were central to their identity, enabling them to explore, trade, and conquer across vast distances, spanning four continents from North America to North Africa and Central Asia.

What is the significance of the Ros Gilda ship in the exhibition?

The Ros Gilda ship, the largest Viking ship ever found, is a key feature in the exhibition. It was a 37.7-meter long royal warship discovered in Denmark and symbolizes Viking maritime prowess.

What were the Vikings’ farthest trade and exploration reaches?

The Vikings reached as far west as North America, south to Morocco in North Africa, and east to Central Asia, demonstrating their expansive trade and exploration networks.

How were slaves involved in Viking trade?

The Vikings engaged in a significant slave trade, capturing and selling slaves as part of their broader mercantile activities, which also included trading raw materials and luxury goods.

What are some examples of Viking artifacts, and what do they reveal about their culture?

Viking artifacts like brooches, necklaces, and jewelry made of silver, silk, and other materials show their wealth and advanced craftsmanship, as well as their cosmopolitan trade connections.

What is the Veil of York Horde, and why is it important?

The Veil of York Horde is a significant archaeological find that highlights the Vikings' transcontinental reach, containing materials from four continents and three major belief systems, reflecting their global interactions.

How did Viking society contribute to the modern world?

Viking explorations, trade, and cultural exchanges played a crucial role in shaping the modern world, influencing technology, economy, and cultural connections across continents.

What are some examples of the diverse materials found in Viking trade networks?

Viking trade networks included materials such as Islamic coins, gold, silver, silk, and luxury goods from regions like Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Scandinavia, demonstrating their extensive reach.