most remarkable events in the history can rightly be considered the Vikings, as they themselves rightly be called a very interesting figure in the period from IX to XI century.The word "Viking" roughly means "floating in the sea."In the native language of the Normans "vik" means "fjord", which in our opinion is the "Bay".So many sources interpreted the word "Viking" as "a person of the bay."A common question is "Where the Vikings lived?" Will be just as inappropriate as the assertion that the "Viking" and "Nordic" - is the same.In the first case we are talking about human occupation in the second - of belonging to a specific people.
regards to belonging to a particular ethnic group, then it can be identified with difficulty, as the Vikings to settle in the occupied territories, soaking all the local "good", and feasting upon the culture of these lands.The same can be said of the titles that were awarded "the people of the fort" various nations.Everything depended on the place where the Vikings lived.The Normans, Vikings, Danes, Russ - such names get a "host of the sea" for ever new shores, where they were planted.
many myths and misconceptions floating around colorful historical characters, which is what the Vikings.Where did the Normans invading what they were doing, but their campaigns and raids, and whether doing anything except for them at all - very awkward questions tormenting the head of historians to this day.However, today we can bring at least seven misconceptions with regards to "the Scandinavian barbarians."
cruelty and thirst for conquest
In most films, books and other entertainment resources Vikings appear to us as bloodthirsty barbarians can not imagine my life without the daily sticking his ax into someone's skull.
root causes of military campaigns from Norman served as overcrowding Scandinavian land where the Vikings lived.Plus constant feuding clans.Both a large part of the population forced to go in search of a better life.A river robbery became nothing but a bonus of their hard way.Naturally, the bad fortified European cities become easy prey for seafarers.However, like other nations - French, British, Arabs and others, which also did not disdain bloodshed for the sake of their pockets.Suffice it to recall that all this happened in the Middle Ages, and this was a way to gain equally attractive for representatives of various powers.And the national penchant for bloodshed there was nothing to do.
hostility
Another claim that the Vikings were hostile to all but himself - also misleading.In fact, foreigners would like to take advantage of the hospitality of the Normans, and to join their ranks.Many historical records confirm that among the Vikings could meet the French, Italian and Russian.Example stay in the Scandinavian dominions Ansgar - envoy of Louis the Pious - this is another proof of the hospitality of the Vikings.You can also recall the ambassador of the Arab Ibn Fadlan - on the story for the film "The 13th Warrior".
Natives of Scandinavia
Although, contrary to the above remarks, the Vikings equate to Scandinavia - it is a profound mistake, which is explained by the fact that the Vikings lived in Greenland, Iceland and France, and even ancient.In itself, the assertion that all "people of the fjord" come from Scandinavia - is a mistake.
Where the Vikings lived in the early Middle Ages - the question irrelevant because the very "common sea" could include various nationalities, from different lands.In addition, it is worth noting the fact that the French king gave the ease of the land the Vikings, while those in the steel thanks to French custody when it attacked the enemy from the "outside."It often happens that these enemies were Vikings from other lands.By the way, is exactly what the name "Normandie".
heathen savages Dirty
Another misstep many actors-narrators of past years - as the image of the Viking people dirty, unscrupulous and wild.Again, this is not true.And the proof of this - finds that were recovered during the excavations in various places where the Vikings lived.
mirrors, combs, bath - all these remnants of ancient cultures found during excavations confirm that the Normans were the people of cleanliness.And these findings were extracted, not only in Sweden, Denmark, and Greenland, Iceland, and other lands, including Sarskoye mound, where the Vikings lived on the banks of the Volga, which was on the territory of ancient Russia.Plus everything else, is not rare case when found and the remains of soap, made by the hands of the Normans.Once again proving their cleanliness and British joke about was: "The Vikings are chistyuli that even go to the bath once a week."It will not hurt to recall that Europeans visited much less bath.
two-meter blond
Another incorrect statement, as the remains of the bodies of the Vikings to the contrary.Those who are tall warrior with blond hair, in fact, the growth reached a maximum of 170 centimeters.Vegetation is in the head of these people were of different colors.The only thing that is undeniable - a preference for this type of hair at the Normans themselves.This was facilitated by the use of special dye soap.
Vikings and Ancient Rus
On the one hand, it is believed that the Vikings had a direct bearing on the formation of Russia as a great power.On the other, there are sources that deny them the sacrament to any event in the history of ancient Slavs.Particularly controversial perceive historians belonging to the Scandinavians Rurik, and vice versa.However, the name of Rurik close to Norman Rerek - so named many boys in Scandinavia.The same can be said about Oleg, Igor - his relatives and his son.And his wife Olga.Just look at their Norman counterparts - Helge, Ingvar, Helga.
Many sources (almost all) unanimously claim that ownership of the Vikings spread to the Caspian and Black Seas.In addition to swim to the Caliphate, the Normans used the crossing of the Dnieper, the Volga River, and many others that take place in the territory of ancient Russia.It has been noted and the availability of commercial transactions in the Ramsar settlement, where the Vikings lived on the Volga River.In addition, the frequently mentioned and raids, accompanied by looting in the area of Staraya Ladoga, Gnezdovo mounds, which also confirms the presence of Norman settlements in the territory of ancient Russia.Incidentally, the word "Russia" also belongs to the Vikings.Even in the "Tale of Bygone Years" he stated that "Rurik came with his whole Rus".
exact location of where the Vikings lived - on the banks of the Volga or not - a moot point.Some sources mention that they were based on near their forts.Others argue that the Normans preferred the neutral space between the water and the large settlements.
horns on their helmets
And another misconception is the presence of horns on the top of the military attire of the Normans.For all the excavations and research in the areas where the Vikings lived, was found helmets with horns, except for a single, which is found in one of the tombs of the Normans.
But a single case does not give grounds for such a generalization.Although the image can be interpreted differently.It was so beneficial to represent the Christian world of the Vikings, include them in the offspring of the devil.And all that has to do with Satan, Christians somehow necessarily have horns.
