The+Vikings

=**__Vikings__**= The Vikings are a group of Scandinavian explorers and warriors in Europe. They are best known for their superiority in the sea because of their longboats. The Vikings have three social classes: Nobles, freeman, and slaves. Nobles were chiefs that controlled an area of land, freeman were farmers, and merchants, and lastly slaves were captured foreigners from lands the Vikings conquered. Suprisingly, women in the Viking culture were highly respected. They were better treated in Viking culture than classical Indian and Chinese culture. For example, Viking women have the option to divorce. The Vikings had a religion that placed a big role in their lives. The religion was composed of warrior-like gods (such as Thor). The Vikings had various burial ceremonies, each one unique depending on the decease's status. The Vikings believe to go to Valhalla if they died.
 * - __Culture__**

Beside from being fierce warriors, Vikings were known to be exellent traders and commonly traded fur (fur being used as clothing etc.), timber. They often traded in areas they already sacked. Besides being merchants, the Vikings were known for their craftsmen buildings longboats which was key in helping them conquer many lands. The viking'sbuilt their longboat's with broad, flat-bottomed hulls. Because of this, the boats were not only strong and sturdy, but they could be used to go up shallow waters/rivers and be able to raid places deep in foreign lands which gave the Vikings the advantage to outflank the enemies.
 * - __Economy and Crafts__**

- **__Viking Expansion and Exploration__** The Vikings started off in the Scandinavian lands as farmers and shipbuilders. But as their populations inceased, demand of supply did also. Because of the supply in demand, Vikings began a large movement to seek and raid other lands for survival. The Vikings They started to expand through England, Ireland, Iceland, parts of Russia, northern France, part of the Byzantine Empire, and Greenland. Using their longboats. it was easy to maneuver around and raid these lands. Settlement evidence found proves that the Vikings settled mainly on the coastal lines for easy transportation and trade.

"Viking." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia //. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. .
 * - __Citations/Sources__**

"Vikings." //Viking Art.com Welcomes You! // Viking Art. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. .

"The Vikings." //Travel to Norway - Norway Official Travel Guide - Visitnorway.com //. Visit Norway, 18 Feb. 2010. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. .

Young, J.A. "Viking History: Fascinating Facts About Vikings." //A 2 Z of Health and Beauty //. Learninginfo.org. Web. 16 Jan. 2012. .

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