Vikings: Invaders, Settlers, Beginnings

Year 3 History Lesson Discovering the Norse Warriors of Britain

What Do We Already Know?

Think about what you've learned about Anglo-Saxons What do you think you know about Vikings? Where do you think they came from?

Where Did the Vikings Come From?

Who Were the Vikings?

People from Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark) Skilled sailors and warriors Also traders, farmers, and explorers Lived over 1000 years ago (793-1066 AD) Famous for their longships and raids

Why Did Vikings Invade Britain?

Looking for new farmland - their homeland was crowded Searching for treasure and wealth Britain had rich monasteries to raid Wanted better land for farming Adventure and exploration

Comparing Vikings and Anglo-Saxons

{"left":"Vikings: Came from Scandinavia\nAnglo-Saxons: Came from Germany and Denmark\nVikings: Excellent sailors and shipbuilders\nAnglo-Saxons: Skilled farmers and builders\nVikings: Worshipped Norse gods like Thor and Odin","right":"Anglo-Saxons: Many became Christians\nBoth: Were warriors and fighters\nBoth: Lived in wooden houses\nBoth: Farmed the land\nBoth: Made beautiful jewellery and weapons"}

Key Viking Vocabulary

Invaders - people who attack and take over other lands Settlers - people who move to live in a new place Raids - quick attacks to steal treasure Culture - the way people live, their beliefs and customs Longships - fast Viking boats with dragon heads

Think and Discuss

Why do you think Vikings chose to settle in Britain? How did the similarities between Vikings and Anglo-Saxons help them live together? What would it have been like to see Viking ships arriving?