The Vikings raided, conquered, occupied territories, and traded throughout the known world. They developed an extensive trade and settlement network along riverbanks and coasts, leaving traces that continue to be an integral part of our shared historical narrative.

Raid, Fire & Sword. These three words could summarize the Viking era, those formidable times that began when the mysterious warriors of the North set sail in search of gold, glory, and ultimately, new land. They became renowned warriors and traders in the then-known world and took an active part in the violent games of power and authority – deadly battles, political dominance struggles, sabotage, and intrigues are all facets of the multifaceted narrative of Viking dominance at sea.

Along their journey, the Vikings encountered a world divided into kingdoms, lordships, and caliphates, where Christianity and Islam were the dominant and most expansive religions. However, at the top of the Viking pantheon always stood Odin, and contact with different religions and worldviews was a defining feature of the Viking Age travels from today’s North Cape to Africa and from Russia to Canada.

This book covers a period of 800 years, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the First Crusade, and offers a panorama of the fearsome and adventurous, and ultimately, wondrous world of the Vikings.