Vikings Worksheets

About Our Vikings Worksheets

The Vikings were seafaring Norse people from the Scandinavian region who played a significant role in European history from the 8th to the 11th centuries. They were known for their raids, explorations, and trade networks that spanned across Europe and even reached North America. Our collection of Vikings worksheets provides students with an engaging exploration of the Viking Age, helping them connect with the culture, history, and influence of the Vikings on world history.

Each topic in this collection is covered through several worksheet sets, designed to immerse students in different aspects of Viking life and history. The worksheets include:

• Multiple Choice Questions: These questions assess students’ understanding of key Viking figures, events, and cultural practices, reinforcing their grasp of the material.
• Short Answer Questions: These prompts encourage students to delve deeper into specific topics, such as Viking exploration routes, societal structure, or mythology.
• Open-Ended Questions: These questions invite students to express their thoughts and opinions on Viking history, fostering critical thinking and personal connection to the material.

Each worksheet comes with an answer key, making it easy for students and educators to verify the accuracy of their responses. All worksheets are available in PDF format, ensuring they are accessible for electronic viewing, downloading, and printing.

The Viking Age: Warriors, Explorers, and Traders

The Viking Age, which lasted from approximately 793 to 1066 AD, was a period of great activity and expansion for the Norse people. Here’s how teachers might introduce this fascinating period to their students:

1. The Origins of the Vikings:

• Scandinavian Roots: The Vikings originated from the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Their homeland was characterized by rugged terrain and a harsh climate, which influenced their seafaring lifestyle.
• Raids and Exploration: The Vikings are perhaps most famously known for their raids on European coastal towns and monasteries, beginning with the infamous raid on Lindisfarne in 793 AD. However, they were also skilled explorers and traders, establishing routes and settlements as far as North America, the Middle East, and Russia.
• Society and Culture: Viking society was organized into a hierarchical structure with kings, jarls (nobles), and karls (freemen). They were also known for their rich mythology, with gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki playing central roles in their belief system.

2. Key Aspects of Viking Life and Culture:

• Viking Longships: The design and construction of Viking longships were essential to their success as raiders and explorers. These ships were fast, flexible, and capable of navigating both open seas and shallow rivers, enabling the Vikings to strike quickly and retreat before any counterattack could be mounted.
• Trade and Settlements: In addition to their raids, the Vikings were also traders and settlers. They established trade networks that connected them with distant regions, bringing back goods such as silver, silk, and spices. Notable settlements included Dublin in Ireland, Jorvik (now York) in England, and Novgorod in Russia.
• Viking Mythology and Religion: The Vikings followed a polytheistic belief system with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, as well as beliefs in an afterlife that included Valhalla, a hall where warriors who died in battle would go. Their mythology has left a lasting impact on Western culture, influencing literature, art, and even modern-day media.

3. The Legacy of the Vikings:

• Impact on Europe: The Viking Age had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of Europe. The Vikings’ raids led to the development of fortified towns and castles, and their settlements contributed to the cultural diversity of the regions they colonized.
• Exploration and Discovery: The Vikings were among the first Europeans to reach North America, with the settlement at Vinland (modern-day Newfoundland) providing evidence of their presence. Their explorations opened up new routes and possibilities for trade and cultural exchange.
• Integration and Assimilation: Over time, the Vikings began to settle down and integrate with the local populations. In many cases, they adopted Christianity and became part of the ruling classes in the regions they had once raided, leaving a lasting legacy in the cultures of these areas.

By exploring these aspects, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of the Vikings and their impact on world history.

The Vikings' Significance in World History

1. The Age of Exploration:

• Viking Voyages: The Vikings were not just raiders but also daring explorers who navigated the North Atlantic and beyond. Their voyages to places like Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland (North America) were remarkable feats of navigation and endurance.
• Cultural Exchange: Through their extensive trade networks, the Vikings connected the various cultures of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This exchange of goods and ideas contributed to the development of the medieval European economy and the spread of cultural practices.

2. The Viking Influence on Europe:

• Political Impact: The Vikings’ raids and settlements had significant political consequences in Europe. Their presence in places like England, France, and Ireland led to the formation of new kingdoms and the strengthening of local defenses.
• Cultural Integration: Over time, the Vikings assimilated into the societies they had invaded. In England, for example, the Norse settlers merged with the Anglo-Saxons, contributing to the development of the English language and culture.
• Legacy in Modern Culture: The Viking legacy is still evident today, particularly in popular culture. Viking mythology, symbols, and history continue to inspire literature, films, television shows, and even video games.

Bringing Viking History to Life in the Classroom

Here are some creative and effective ways for teachers and parents to use these Viking worksheets:

• Cross-Curricular Projects:
  • History and Art Integration: Encourage students to create their own Viking longship models or design Viking-inspired artwork, such as shields or helmets, while learning about their historical significance.
  • Geography and Exploration: Have students map out the Viking trade routes and explore the geographical challenges they faced during their voyages. This activity can help students understand the vast distances the Vikings traveled and the regions they influenced.
• Interactive Learning:
  • Role-Playing and Reenactments: Organize a Viking-themed day where students can role-play as Viking warriors, traders, or explorers. This interactive approach makes history come alive and helps students connect more deeply with the material.
  • Debates on Viking Influence: Divide the class into groups and have them debate topics such as the impact of Viking raids on Europe or the reasons behind Viking exploration. This activity fosters critical thinking and encourages students to consider multiple perspectives.
• Critical Thinking Exercises:
  • Comparative Analysis: Ask students to compare the Viking Age with other periods of exploration, such as the Age of Discovery. This exercise helps students draw parallels between different historical periods and understand the broader context of exploration.
  • Ethical Discussions: Use the Viking raids as a starting point for discussions on ethics and morality. Questions like “Were the Vikings heroes or villains?” can provoke thoughtful discussions on the complexities of history.
• Home Learning:
  • Family Involvement: Encourage students to share what they’ve learned about the Vikings with their families by creating a Viking-themed presentation or project at home. This can help reinforce learning and involve the family in the educational process.
  • Self-Paced Learning: Provide the worksheets as part of a self-paced learning module that students can complete independently. This approach is particularly effective in a homeschool setting or as supplementary material for classroom learning.

By incorporating these worksheets into lessons, teachers and parents can help students gain a deep and nuanced understanding of the Viking Age. This collection not only covers the historical facts but also encourages students to think critically, make connections, and appreciate the lasting legacy of the Vikings in world history.