‎The Vikings - Apple TV

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The Vikings sailed from Newfoundland to Baghdad, across raging seas and swift rivers, extending trade and prosperity in voyages of creative destruction. By 1100, however, the Vikings had disappeared. Dr. Kenneth W. Harl rediscovers these warriors, artists, merchants, poets, and kings, explaining their role on the world stage.

Documentary · 2005 · 31 min

Starring Kenneth W. Harl

EPISODE 1

The Vikings in Medieval History

Hostile Christian sources demonize the Vikings; Muslim accounts render them exotic; and recent revisionist historians downplay the impact of Norse raids. Archeological finds such as ship burials, coin hoards, and human remains, combined with close study of the Norse sagas of Iceland, can enrich and balance our understanding of Scandinavia's place in medieval history.

30 min · Oct 3, 2005
EPISODE 2

Land and People of Medieval Scandinavia

Scandinavia's landscape shaped its culture. Dense forestation led to small, close-knit communities, skill in woodworking, and to sailing as the primary means of long-distance transport. Long, harsh winters engendered skill in cold-weather travel, a unique cosmology, and the emergence of great halls where storytelling and hospitality traditions were born.

30 min · Oct 3, 2005
EPISODE 3

Scandinavian Society in the Bronze Age

The physical evidence, expertly interpreted, paints a compelling picture of the Bronze Age in Scandinavia (2300–450 BCE) Viking ancestors traded Arctic goods, amber, and slaves in exchange for foreign copper and tin to produce impressive bronze objects. New wealth fostered larger villages led by chieftains.

30 min · Oct 3, 2005
EPISODE 4

Scandinavia in the Celtic and Roman Ages

Scandinavia fed off of trade with the Celts (450 - 50 BCE) importing improved cart, ship, and metalworking technology. Contact with Rome (c. 50 BCE–400 CE) enriched the upper classes with fine silver, ceramics, and glass. More ominously, Scandinavians returning from Roman military service brought back advanced weapons and armor.

30 min · Oct 3, 2005
EPISODE 5

The Age of Migrations

As the Roman political order collapsed in Western Europe, Scandinavians poured in: Anglo-Saxons in England, Franks in Gaul, Swedish Goths in Italy and Spain, Danes in Frisia. Cultural ties were so close that Scandinavian legends celebrated legendary West Germanic figures for centuries. But Christianization and linguistic change transformed these immigrants into targets for Viking raids.

31 min · Oct 3, 2005
EPISODE 6

The Norse Gods

Norse religion was integral to Scandinavian life. A creation myth tells of primeval frozen wastes and sacred trees. The pantheon contained gods of war (Odin), sky (Thor), and fertility (Frey and Freya). The afterlife in Valhalla and other great halls was a reward for great deeds. Worship of these gods, and veneration of their ancestors, united communities and separated them from Christendom.

30 min · Oct 3, 2005

Kenneth W. Harl

Host