Vikings. The History of an Era. 793–1066

This book by historian-medievalist and historical reconstructor Klim Zhukov is dedicated to debunking popular clichés about the Viking age. Who were they? Fierce invaders from the wild North, invincible sea raiders, or colonizers—traders and exporters of new ideas, technologies, beliefs, and customs? What made them step beyond Scandinavia, and why did it turn into a massive military onslaught that became a terrible disaster for Europe? The author examines in detail different aspects of Viking history: weapons, ships, campaigns and military strategy, trade and economics, contacts with neighboring peoples and states. From the legendary ruler Ragnar Lodbrok to Harald Hardrada—after whose death the Viking Age ended—we will try to trace the main milestones of one of the most vivid pages of world history.