What Caused the Viking Age?

Something was brewing in Scandinavia that reached a boiling point in the 8th century A.D./C.E. We historians acknowledge this phenomenon as the creation of the “Viking Age.” But why? Scandinavia certainly existed prior to that time, and Vikings probably did too. So what made this time so special or different? What sent Nordic peoples out into the world to raid, trade, and settle in unprecedented numbers, ultimately changing their world and ours forever?

Terri and C.J. get into the weeds of Viking history to try and answer this $64 million dollar question. As we discuss in this episode, no one root cause can explain the so-called "Viking Diaspora," but that has not stopped historians and archaeologists from trying to piece together the story of what might have happened.

Was it ships? Climate change? Poverty? The warrior ethos? Or something else?…..Take a listen; we cover it all.

What do YOU think caused the Viking Age? Let us know in the comments!

For more background, take a look at James H. Barrett's article that we mention in the episode.

If you’re interested in watching the video version of this episode, you can find it here on our Substack.

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