Year 8 History: The Vikings Subject Outline Syllabus Dot Points Students learn about: • The way of life in Viking society (social, cultural, economic and political features) and the roles and relationships of different groups in society • Significant developments and/or cultural achievements that led to Viking expansion, including weapons and shipbuilding, and the extent of their trade • Viking conquests and relationships with subject peoples, including the perspectives of monks, changes in the way of life of the English, and the Norman invasion • The role of a significant individual in the expansion of Viking settlement and influence Unit Outline 1. Introduction and Geography 2. Sources and life of a farmer 3. Travel and Trade 4. Viking Ships and Raiding 5. Exploration and Settlement 6. Society and Government 7. Housing and Clothing 8. Men, Women, Children 9. Food 10. Runes 11. Viking Religion, Gods, and Burial 12. Legacy Metalanguage List Asgard Athing battle axe berserker eddas fjord Lindisfarne longhouse longships monastery Norsemen Odin plunder runes sagas Scandinavia shield maiden Valhalla Valkyries warrior Kick start questions 1. Locate the Viking homelands 2. Identify the geographical features that helped shape Viking society and history 3. Using a range of sources, eg the Viking sagas, outline key social, cultural, economic and political features of viking society 4. Describe the everyday life of men, women and children in Viking society 5. Discuss the role of the Norse gods in Viking society 6. Identify the extent of Viking exploration and trade 7. Identify the regions conquered and/or settled by the Vikings 8. Explain how and why Viking expansion occurred, including developments in weaponry and shipbuilding technologies 9. Discuss the theory that Vikings discovered America 10. Explain and assess the impact of the Vikings on subject peoples in England and northern Europe, including the Dane law 11. Discuss the significance of the Norwegian (Viking) and Norman invasions of England in 1066 12. Outline what sources reveal about different perspectives on the Vikings, for example those of English monks 13. Investigate and assess the role of significant individuals involved in the expansion of Viking settlement and influence, eg Erik the red or Leif Ericson 14. Use sources to identify different perspectives on the chosen individual 15. Discuss how the Vikings have influenced the world today