Vikings

The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. But the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built. So how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today? This book takes a 'global' look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

Imaginea populara a vikingilor este de barbati inalti cu cap rosu, care violeaza si jefuiesc drumul in jurul coastei Europei, oprindu-se doar pentru a jefui manastirile si a arde navele lungi. Dar violentii vikingi din secolul al VIII-lea au devenit crestinii evlaviosi ai secolului al XI-lea, care au dat cruci de aur bisericilor crestine si in a caror zona de conducere au fost distrusi idoli pagani si au fost construite biserici.