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For our last look at ancient civilizations we go back over thirteen
hundred years to the Scandinavian countries in northern Europe to
visit the Vikings. For centuries the Vikings have been remembered
as strong barbarian2 sailors who pillaged3
and murdered4 their way through much
of Europe and even North America. While this is certainly true,
the Vikings were also traders, farmers, and explorers5
with a democratic6 way of governing7.
The Vikings were the most successful8
sailors in Europe. The Viking longboat, the most advanced9
ship of its time, was a major factor in their success. Archaeologists10
have found evidence11 of Viking trading
and exploration12 as far away as Greece.
Back home, the Vikings were primarily13
farmers. While the men were gone, the women were in charge of the
farm. Viking society gathered at a place called the "Althing".
This is the place where old laws were read and new laws were voted
on by all present. The "Althing" still exists14
and is the oldest parliament15 in Europe.
-Cylinda Marquart
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