Category: History

The History Of Cardiff Castle In Wales, United Kingdom

The origins of the Cardiff Castle can be traced back to the late part of the 11th century when, on the site of a former Roman fort, the Normans built an early stronghold (a motte-and-baily castle namely) which was made of wood and stone, being one of the first fortifications of its kind in Britain…


The Origins And Usage Of The Norse Longboats During The Viking Age

During the early Middle Ages, when the Norsemen commenced their campaigns of conquest and exploration throughout much of continental Europe and overseas, they built a wide range of longboats in order to navigate on seas, rivers, oceans, lakes, and channels. These Norse ships are mainly referred to as ‘drakkars’, but depending on the purpose for…


The History Of The Edinburgh Castle

One of the most spectacular sites in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle is known to have been located on the Castle Rock since at least the round of the 12th century, during the time of King David I of Scotland, being as such one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Britain. The site on which the castle…


The History Of The Rock Of Cashel, Ireland

The Rock of Cashel, a reputed historic site comprising a complex of spectacular Celtic buildings, is one of the most fantastic medieval constructions in Ireland. It is situated in southern Ireland, more specifically in the small town of Cashel, County Tipperary. According to the legend, it is said to have originated in the Devil’s Bit,…


A Brief History Of The Norsemen And The Viking Age

Origins: Who Actually Were The Norsemen? Since ancient times, Scandinavia was the homeland of the Norsemen. The Norsemen (also referred to in many medieval texts as Northmen, ‘Nordmanni’, or ‘Dani’; nowadays broadly known as ‘Vikings’) were a congregation of Germanic tribes that initially lived in Northern Europe, more specifically in the areas corresponding to the…