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Viking Raids
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The Vikings first appeared in other parts of northern Europe as violent raiders. They came across the sea without warning in their fast warships to attack undefended ports or island abbeys. They killed unarmed people without mercy, carried young men and women away to sell as slaves, and seized anything valuable they could find. Sometimes the Vikings sailed far up rivers to attack inland cities. In 845, more than 100 Viking ships sailed up the Seine River and attacked Paris. The king of the Franks had to pay 6,600 pounds (3,000 kilograms) of silver to make them leave.
(A) MONASTERIES
Monks often built their monasteries on islands off the coast, where they thought they would be safe. They expected to be attacked from the land, not from the sea.
(B) SLAVES
Besides treasure, the raiders took away young men and women to be sold as slaves.
(C) VIKING SHIPS
Viking ships lay shallow in the water and could be driven straight onto a beach. People had little warning of their approach.
(D) THE RAIDERS
The English called the Vikings who raided their coast 'Danes,' but they included Norwegians and Swedes.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
Viking Raids
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