10 Alarming Facts About the Vikings They Didn’t Teach You in School

1. Slave Trade

The Vikings were notorious slave traders, capturing people from various regions during their raids and selling them as slaves. Slavery was a common practice in Viking society, and many of these slaves were subjected to harsh living conditions and brutal treatment.

2. Human Sacrifices

Some Viking religious rituals involved human sacrifices. Archaeological evidence suggests that they occasionally sacrificed animals, treasures, and even humans to appease their gods, such as Odin and Thor.

3. Blood Eagles

The infamous Viking execution method known as the “blood eagle” involved cutting open the victim’s back, breaking their ribs, and pulling their lungs out to resemble eagle wings. This gruesome form of punishment was reserved for traitors and enemies.

4. Invasion of Monasteries

Vikings frequently targeted Christian monasteries during their raids. These attacks were often ruthless, resulting in the destruction of valuable religious artifacts, the killing of monks, and the abduction of nuns.

5. Gender Inequality

Viking society was deeply patriarchal. Women had limited rights and were expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers. They were not allowed to participate in political or military matters.

6. Child Sacrifice

Some Viking burials suggest that infants and children were sacrificed and buried alongside wealthy individuals to serve them in the afterlife. This practice reflects a disturbing belief system.

7. Berserkers

The Vikings had a class of warriors known as “berserkers” who were rumored to fight in a trance-like state, often induced by hallucinogenic substances. They were feared for their uncontrollable and violent behavior on the battlefield.

8. Ruthless Raids

Viking raids often led to widespread devastation and terror. They would plunder and burn down entire villages, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

9. Grave Robbing

Vikings were known to raid the graves of their own ancestors and other cultures, seeking valuable items to loot. This shows a lack of respect for the dead and their burial customs.

10. Decline Due to Climate Change

The Viking Age eventually came to an end, in part due to a cooling climate, which made farming and sustaining their settlements more difficult. This led to the decline of their once-mighty civilization.