Tag: Vikings

Byriġ: The Early Medieval Anglo-Saxon Fortified Settlements

The Byrig (singular form in Old English: Burh/Burg; pronunciation: [‘burx]) were a series of Anglo-Saxon fortified settlements of the 9th century built as defensive strongholds against the incursions of the Norsemen (mainly Danish Vikings) who had been recurrently raiding and plundering the Anglian kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. The vast majority of these early medieval forts were…


The Viking Siege Of Paris (885–886) And Its Historical Aftermath

The Siege of Paris of 885–886 was conducted by a numerous army of possibly tens of thousands of Norwegian and Danish warriors embarked on hundreds of longships (and other Viking Age vessels) along the course of the river Seine. The siege was the second of its kind on behalf of the Norsemen after a Danish…


10 Important Women Of The Viking Age

Women played an important part in the early medieval Scandinavian societies during the turbulent Viking period. Although they were not able to lawfully exert a considerable amount of political and administrative influence over the Norse colonies in such places as Iceland or the Faroe Islands, they still disposed of a high hierarchic status within these…


Odin – The One-Eyed Wise God Of The Norse Mythology

Odin (originally known in Old Norse as Óðinn and in Old English as Wōden) is one of the most important divinities in the Norse mythology. He is part of the Æsir branch of gods along with (among others) Frigg (his wife; the goddess of wisdom), Baldr (his son with goddess Frigg; god of justice), Thor (his son;…


10 Illustrative Classic Rock Songs About The Middle Ages

Below you can find a list comprising 10 fine classic rock songs that reference, in a way or another, the Middle Ages, from instrumentation reminding of historical events that unfolded during bygone times to lyrical allusions concerning mythology, fantasy, and legends. 10. Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song A well-known classic from Led Zeppelin’s early catalogue,…