Fierce warriors, the Vikings carried out raids across much of Europe, from England to Italy, Russia to Spain. But what made the Vikings sail across the seas to attack towns and villages? One reason may have been an increase in population in the Vikings' homelands which led to overcrowding and a shortage of farmland. Another reason is that local kings were trying to increase their power, and those who opposed this chose to go overseas to look for new land elsewhere—even if they had to fight for it. A further reason was that the Vikings were naturally adventurous, and many young warriors saw raiding as a way of gaining wealth and honour.

Destinations

The Norwegian Vikings travelled west to the northern islands of Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland and North America, while the Danish Vikings sailed to England, Normandy and southern Europe. A force of 62 Danish ships sailed around Spain and Portugal to North Africa. They looted towns and set up trading posts, before going on to southern France and Italy. The Swedish Vikings travelled east, into Russia and beyond, but they concentrated on trading as much as they did raiding.

Surprise attacks

For 200 years the Vikings were a threat to many people in Europe. When Viking longships approached foreign shores, the local inhabitants were filled with fear. The sight of the fast-moving ships with their carved, serpent-like bows and warriors aboard waving their axes and swords was truly terrifying. In the shallow coastal waters the Viking raiders quickly waded on to land, pulling their ships up on to the beach with ease.

The Vikings frequently made surprise attacks on towns, villages, churches and monasteries. Monasteries were perfect targets for the Vikings because they were often poorly defended and filled with treasures. They stole everything of value, set fire to buildings and wounded or killed anyone who stood in their path.
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In the face of a defending army, the Vikings would stand together behind a wall of shields. Then they would launch an attack by firing arrows and throwing spears. Hand-to-hand battle with swords and axes would follow.