Random Things You Might Not Know About Vikings (16 items)

(#13) Vikings Didn't Stick To Europe

Viking ships sailed almost the length of the known world, reaching everywhere from North America to Constantinople. Archeological evidence and medieval sagas even suggest they sailed the Tigris River all the way to Baghdad. Many of these expeditions were either exploratory voyages or raids, and most Norse colonization was limited to the Northern Hemisphere.
Due to their contact with so many regions, the Viking world was large, expansive, and diverse.
(#1) Burning Funeral Boats On The Open Water Wasn't Really A Thing

The image of a flaming funeral ship drifting into the sea may be powerful but it's not totally accurate. It is true that some Vikings - especially important ones - were cremated in boats. But these ships were usually buried on land as part of the funeral ritual. They likely weren't sent into open water.

Though funeral traditions varied in the Viking world, many burials included grave goods, or items that the deceased might need in the afterlife.
(#14) They Had A Thriving Slave Trade

One of the purposes of Viking raids was to acquire human capital for a slave trade. Vikings captured and enslaved both women and young men while pillaging settlements everywhere from the British Isles to Eastern Europe. Indeed, taking enslaved captives may have been a motivating factor for Viking exploration and raids. The captured slaves were included in the lowest Viking social class, called “thralls,” and sold in giant slave markets across Scandinavia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Slaves didn't have rights and could be sold or used as the owner saw fit.
(#5) Viking Warriors Didn't Wear Horned Helmets

Vikings have become synonymous with horned helmets. But the ubiquitous headgear seen in operas, comics, and TV shows probably wasn't worn by Viking warriors. They would have been unwieldy for close-quarter combat and a pointless affectation.

It's likely that these helmets were first linked to Vikings in the 19th century, thanks to a costume designer. Carl Emil Doepler created the costumes for Richard Wagner's Norse-themed operas. He probably based his hat designs on Greco-Roman artwork as well as helmets that old Germanic priests wore during ceremonies.
(#15) Far From Being An Unwashed Horde, Vikings Tried To Be Clean

Despite spending large amounts of time either at sea or raiding, Viking warriors took hygiene seriously. Excavations of Viking sites have turned up lots of hygiene tools, including tweezers, razors, combs, and ear cleaners.

Vikings also bathed at least once a week, much more frequently than contemporary Europeans, who often only bathed a few times a year. They also enjoyed natural hot springs, when available.
(#11) Some Vikings Became Elite Bodyguards In The Byzantine Empire

Perhaps given their legendary fighting ability, Vikings became bodyguards for some of the most significant rulers in the pre-modern world. The Varangian Guard - a high-ranking unit made up of Vikings - protected Byzantine emperors from the late 10th century. The Varangian Vikings came to Constantinople by way of modern-day Russia. Though they continued to serve emperors, their status diminished by the 1200s.