The Vikings in Britain and Ireland

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

For nearly three hundred years, the Vikings set out on voyages from Scandinavia reaching every corner of the northern world. As raiders, traders, explorers and colonizers, they had a profound impact on those cultures with which they came into contact. The archaeological evidence of their settlements, burials and hoards, as well as the literature of their later sagas reveal a complex and fascinating culture.

The Vikings represent a dramatic time in the history of northern Europe and their legacy forms an important part of the cultural heritage of Britain and Ireland. This book explores Viking raids, conquest and settlement across these islands from the end of the eighth century to the raids of Magnus Barelegs, king of Norway, around 1100, examining their impact, their towns and society, language, trading activities and beliefs.

Written by three authors specializing in a range of disciplines, and drawing on the superb collection of the British Museum, together with finds, sites and monuments, The Vikings in Britain and Ireland is a well-illustrated introduction to the culture, daily life and times of the Vikings, and their legacy which is still visible today.

Author Bio

Jayne Carroll is Director of the Institute for Name-Studies and Associate Professor in the History of English at the University of Nottingham. Her main academic interests include place-names and language and literature in Old English and Old Norse.

Stephen H. Harrison is an Honorary Research Associate in medieval history at Trinity College Dublin, having previously worked in museums, universities and commercial archaeology. He specializes in the social context of Scandinavian burials in the early Viking Age and has wider interests in Viking Age Britain and Ireland, particularly early settlement activity.

Gareth Williams is Curator of early medieval coins at the British Museum. He has worked extensively on warfare, coinage, wealth and exchange, and towns in the Viking Age. Gareth was also lead curator of the British Museum exhibition Vikings: life and legend.