LETS TAKE A LITTLE LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE VIKINGS

Today I wanted to take a moment to discuss and share a little slice of what the Vikings were and how they first came to be. We all have a little knowledge be it through learning about them in your school history lessons, or by watching some history documentaries or series on TV. But what are the Vikings? And what did they stand for?

Vikings were originally believed to be of Norwegian and Danish descent. The Old Norse víkingr were Norse seafarers, who spoke the Old Norse language. They raided and traded from their Scandinavian homelands across wide areas of northern and central eastern Europe during the late 8th to the late 11th centuries, more commonly known as the Viking Age.

Formed by some of the most advanced seafaring skilled men, many Vikings were labeled as 'pirates' and 'looters' as their activities extended as wide as the Mediterranean seas attempting to conquer any Island they may pass as far travelled as North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Viking Norse communities were established in north and west of Europe, Russia, the North Atlantic islands and as far as the north-eastern coast of America. Modernised conceptions of the Vikings have dramatically changed our view and accuracy of them in which strongly differ from the more complex picture that emerges from our historical sources.

What were the Vikings motives to overpower both land and see in such a bloodied brutal fashion? History suggests that the Vikings chose to exploit a moment of weakness within its neighbouring regions. England heavily suffered from internal divisions leaving them a relatively easy target given the accessibility through many towns by sea or navigable rivers. Similar reasons granted more opportunities within Europe for the Vikings to overwhelm unexpecting cities as they brutally overturned their controlling governing bodies. Whilst the Vikings overturned and claimed much of Europe as we know it, they also maintained the land whilst proving to be a dab hand when it comes to farming and harvesting land. In turn their numbers continued to flourish as did their newly acquired land along with them.

During the Viking age Reign, Scandinavian men and women travelled to numerous parts of Europe and further beyond. By the late 11th century royal dynasties legitimised by the Catholic Church began asserting their power with increasing authorities and strong ambitions. The three kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway had now taken shape. The now Kings of Norway continued to apply power in parts of North Britain as well as Ireland as the raids continued on into the 12th century. By now the military focus of Scandinavian rulers were now heading in completely new directions, which steadily saw the descent of the Viking Age.

I have always found the Viking Age truly fascinating to follow. There's something mesmerising about the strength and courage shown by Viking warriors as they established themselves in history. Have you checked our new 'TBS' Viking inspired premium beard care range? He have a whole host of high quality beard balms and oils from Scorched Armour Beard Balm to Night Liquid Gold Elixir. Be sure to head on over to our exclusive online store for more information.

That wraps up todays beard blog post, as always share your thoughts in the comments section provided below.