-
200 BCE
Start of Germanic Migrations
Germanic tribes, including the early ancestors of the Norse, migrate from Scandinavia and interact with the Celts and Romans. -
Period: 200 BCE to 793
Pre-Viking Era
The period marks the formation of Norse society, including tribal organization, seafaring advancements, and early contact with other European cultures. The Norse people developed strong warrior traditions, shipbuilding skills, and a polytheistic belief system that later fueled their expansion. -
1 CE
Development of the Proto-Norse Language
The Norse language begins to take shape, influenced by other Germanic dialects. -
200
Roman Influence
Trade with the Roman Empire introduces ironworking, weapon designs, and hierarchical social structures to Scandinavia. -
500
Beginning of the Vendel Period
The Vendel Culture in Sweden sees the rise of elite warrior burials, ornate helmets, and strong seafaring traditions. This period is often considered a prelude to the Viking Age. -
600
Expansion to the Baltic Region
Norse traders begin exploring and trading with Finland, Estonia, and the Slavic lands, forming early trade routes. -
700
Advanced Longship Designs
The Norse perfect the longship, enabling fast, long-distance travel and raiding potential. -
793
Lindisfarne Raid
The first major Viking raid on a monastery in Northumbria, England. This shocked Europe and marked the start of the Viking Age. -
Period: 793 to 850
Early Viking Age
This period marks the beginning of Viking expansion through raids, warfare, and trade. The Vikings, skilled seafarers from Scandinavia, used longships to attack coastal settlements and monasteries, particularly in England, Ireland, and France. -
Period: 799 to 820
Expansion of Viking Raids
Viking invasions spread to Ireland and France. -
841
Founding of Dublin
The Vikings establish Dublin as a trading settlement in Ireland. -
845
Raid on Paris
Led by Ragnar Lodbrok, the Vikings sack Paris, forcing the Frankish king to pay them Danegeld. -
Period: 850 to 1000
Viking Expansion and Kingdoms
The Vikings shifted from raiders to settlers and rulers, establishing permanent settlements in England, Ireland, France, and Iceland. Their political influence grew, and they developed trade networks spanning Europe, the Middle East, and even Central Asia. -
865
Great Heathen Army Invades England
A massive Viking force lands in England, seizing control of major cities like York. -
874
Settlement of Iceland
Ingólfr Arnarson establishes the first Norse settlement in Iceland. -
911
Foundation of Normandy
Viking leader Rollo is granted land in northern France, which becomes Normandy -
930
Establishment of Althing in Iceland
The Norse create one of the world’s oldest parliaments, showing early forms of democracy. -
982
Erik the Red Discovers Greenland
After being exiled from Iceland, Erik the Red establishes Norse settlements in Greenland. -
1000
Leif Erikson Reaches North America (Vinland)
Son of Erik the Red, Leif Erikson sails to Vinland (modern-day Canada), making Vikings the first Europeans to reach the Americas—500 years before Columbus. -
Period: 1000 to 1100
Viking Decline
During this period, the Viking way of life changed as many converted to Christianity, centralized kingdoms formed in Scandinavia, and external resistance to Viking raids increased. -
1013
Sweyn Forkbeard Becomes King of England
The Danish Viking ruler Sweyn Forkbeard conquers England, uniting it with Denmark and Norway. -
1066
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Viking King Harald Hardrada is defeated in England, marking the end of large-scale Viking invasions. -
1100
Christianization of Scandinavia
Viking rulers adopt Christianity, leading to the decline of Norse paganism and Viking raiding culture. -
Period: 1100 to
Post-Viking Era
Although Viking raids ended, their cultural, linguistic, and political influence continued. Norse settlements in Greenland survived for a few more centuries, but eventually, Viking identity merged with medieval European states. -
1200
Decline of Norse Greenland
Climate change and economic struggles lead to the collapse of Viking settlements in Greenland. -
Period: 1400 to 1500
Last Norse Settlements
The remaining Norse colonies in Greenland vanish. -
Period: to
Viking Revival
Romanticism and nationalism fuel a renewed interest in Viking history, influencing literature, art, and politics. -
Period: to
Ongoing Discoveries
Archaeologists continue to uncover Viking artifacts, confirming Viking exploration of North America and expanding knowledge of Norse society.