Brief Relevant Viking History + Inspiration

I have been interested in the Vikings and have been researching them for many many years, but since I have already hit a wall with the concept of my game, I think it's a good idea to brush up on my basic history knowledge.

There is a blog on the tumblr website that constantly posts up interesting articles and images about all things Viking. It is really inspirational and I follow this blog quite religiously.

The link is :

http://fuckyeahnorsemen.tumblr.com/

Here are some general and points on Viking history that I deem relevant to this project:

• The Viking Age began in about 700 AD and ended in about 1100 AD when the Vikings became christianised and integrated into other countries such as England.
• Putting aside the image of murdering barbarians, we know that they were skilled farmers, traders, navigators, explorers and settlers
• They were amazing storytellers too and if it wasn’t for the Icelandic writer and historian Snorri Sturluson, many of these wouldn’t be around today
• In 921 the Arab chronicler Ibn Fadlan met Vikings and was impressed by their appearance, describing them as “perfect physical specimens, tall as date palms, blonde and ruddy.
• Interesting and important to note that Viking women had an equally important role in society compared to other cultures at the time. They were able to own their own land, lead their own expeditions and were considered by many to be the best fighters – they always found ways to be creative. Women even had right to demand divorce if she was sick of her husband.
• Viking life revolved around farming and trade, yet every single man and woman was proficient in the use of weapons.
• The basic battle gear of a Viking was a long sword, an axe and a small knife. The wealthier could also have a pike and a bow and arrows. They carried round shields, coats of chain mail as well as a metal helmet – NOT with horns!
• There was a small group of elite warriors though, known as the Berserks, whose only purpose in life was to fight
• Their lives in Scandinavia and on their ships proves to us their amazing ability to withstand less than comfortable living conditions.
• Viking ships had an identical bow and stern which meant that they could row in any direction
• Vikings ice skated – tied cow or horse bones to their feet with leather cords
• The Viking parliament is where 360 degrees comes from
• The image of wild-haired, dirty savages sometimes associated with Vikings in popular culture is a distorted picture of reality. Non-Scandinavian Christians are responsible for most surviving accounts of the Vikings and, consequently, a strong possibility for bias exists. This attitude is likely attributed to Christian misunderstandings regarding paganism.
• The Vikings didn't die out as many other civilisations from those times did - they simply accepted Christianity (by force or otherwise) and integrated into society. They founded many cities that today remain capitals (e.g. Dublin) and have had a large part to play in the leadership and politics of other countries (many English Kings were of Viking descent) Therefore they have long had influence in our world.
• Even most of the days of the week are named after Viking Gods - Monday (moon day after the viking Moon God), Tuesday (Tyr's day), Wednesday (Odin's day), Thursday (Thor's day), Friday (Freyja's day), Saturday (Saturn's day - not norse), Sunday (sun day after the viking Sun God)