The vessels of the Northmen
Movements of the Northmen
300. The Vikings or Sea-Rovers.The Northmen lived in the lands of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They lived on the inlets of the ocean, or viks, and were called "vikings." Their boats were long, and each one had a high prow with the head of a dragon or other fierce-looking animal upon it. They drove their vessels by sail or oar. Often there were as many as fifty rowers in a boat, their bright shields hanging over the sides. When the sun shone on them they looked like great moving lights. The Northmen were great sea-rovers and pirates.
THE LANDING OF LEIF ERICSON IN AMERICA
THE LANDING OF LEIF ERICSON IN AMERICA
THE LANDING OF LEIF ERICSON IN AMERICA
In the eighth and ninth centuries these Northmen or Norsemen began moving out in great bands. Some overran the northern part of France and settled on the river Seine. They were called "Normans," and this region is now Normandy. Others sailed to the west and foundedIceland and Greenland. And their "sagas" or records tell us that Leif Ericson and his men even sailed as far as the coast of North America, although the settlements they made then did not prove to be lasting.
The conquest of England
The Northmen, called Danes by the English, had made many attacks on the coasts of England. Now they came in armies to take the land for homes. As they were heathen they took the riches from the churches and slew the priests. They captured place after place, driving the English before them, until the greater part of England fell into their hands. Young Alfred, king of Wessex, finally forced them to stop. While he drove them back some distance, he could not make them leave England.