History of Norway

Earliest times

Settled since the end of the last ice age, modern-day Scandinavia contains finds from the Stone age and Bronze age, such as rock carvings. From the time of the Roman Empire until about 800 AD, Scandinavia is known for its Iron Age culture. Many stone inscriptions can be found, written in Runes. Then Scandinavia became famous in the Middle Ages for its fearless warriors, explorers and traders, the Vikings. Between AD 800 and AD 1100, the Vikings discovered and settled Iceland and Greenland, and conquered parts of France, Britain, and Ireland, and were also known to travel as far as Constantinople, Greece, Northern Africa and Newfoundland. By utilising their excellent boats and organisation they became master traders and warriors.

Related Topics:
Ice age - Scandinavia - Stone age - Bronze age - Roman Empire - Iron Age - Runes - Middle Ages - Vikings - Iceland - Greenland - France - Britain - Ireland - Constantinople - Greece - Africa - Newfoundland

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Snorre Sturlason (c. 1200) was the name of a writer whose history writings Heimskringla and Younger Edda give information about the early kings. The stories about the earliest times are legends, which can not be taken as accurate history. However, they may have their origin in some historical facts, but the understanding is highly debated among scholars. (See Anglo-Saxon kingdom genealogy, Jakten på Odin, Ynglinga saga, House of Yngling)

Related Topics:
Snorre Sturlason - Heimskringla - Younger Edda - Anglo-Saxon kingdom genealogy - Jakten på Odin - Ynglinga saga - House of Yngling

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