Vikings for kids

Vikings for kids learning in KS2 at Primary School. Homework help on the history of Vikings, who they were and where they came from.

Time: 793AD - 1066AD

Who were the Vikings and where did they come from?

The word Viking probably means “pirate” or “raider”. The Vikings were people who lived over 1,000 years ago in places we now call Norway, Denmark and Sweden. They came from a region called Scandinavia in northern Europe.

Although Vikings are often shown as fierce warriors, they were much more than fighters. Most Vikings were farmers who grew crops and looked after animals. Others were traders, explorers, builders and skilled craftspeople. Viking families lived together in villages, and children helped with daily jobs from a young age.

Life in Scandinavia was hard. Winters were long and cold, the land was rocky, and there was not much good farmland. Because food was difficult to grow, many Vikings travelled away from their homeland to look for richer land, treasure and new places to settle.

The Vikings were excellent sailors and built fast wooden ships that could cross seas and travel up rivers. This allowed them to reach Britain, Ireland, France, and even places as far away as Russia and the Middle East. Some Vikings arrived to raid towns and monasteries, but many stayed and settled peacefully, becoming part of local communities.

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When did the Vikings come to Britain?

The Viking Age in Britain began in AD 793, when Viking raiders attacked a monastery on the island of Lindisfarne, off the north-east coast of England. This attack shocked people across the country because monasteries were peaceful places where monks lived, prayed and worked, and there were no soldiers to protect them.

After this first raid, Viking attacks continued for many years. At first, Vikings arrived to raid towns, villages and monasteries, stealing food, gold and valuables. Later, many Vikings decided to stay and settle instead of returning home. They built farms and villages, especially in the north and east of England, in areas that became known as the Danelaw.

Over time, Vikings and Anglo Saxons lived alongside each other, traded goods and even married into each other’s families.

Vicious Vikings

Why did the Vikings invade Britain?

he Vikings invaded Britain for several important reasons. Life in Scandinavia was hard, with cold winters, rocky soil and not enough good farmland. Many Viking families struggled to grow enough food, so they looked to other countries for better land and new opportunities.

Vikings also wanted gold, silver and valuable goods. Britain had many wealthy towns and monasteries, often close to the coast or rivers. Because Vikings were excellent sailors, they could arrive quickly by ship, attack, and escape before soldiers could stop them.

At first, many Vikings came only to raid. They stole treasure, food and animals, then sailed back home. Over time, some Vikings decided to stay and settle instead. They built farms, married local people and became part of everyday life in Britain.

Not all Vikings were violent. Many were traders and farmers, exchanging goods like furs, jewellery and weapons with local people. However, their raids caused fear across Britain for many years.

What happened to the Vikings?

Eventually, the Vikings became less violent as they settled in the new countries.

Vikings that settled in Northern France were known as Normans (Northmen). This part of France is now known as Normandy.

The Vikings that settled in eastern Europe were known as Rus (redheaded people). This is now known as Russia.

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