Important Places During the Viking Age

#### Scandinavia

– **Birka:** A major trading center and settlement on Björkö Island in Sweden, crucial for Baltic trade routes.

– **Hedeby:** Located in present-day Germany (Schleswig-Holstein), a significant trading hub connecting Scandinavia with the rest of Europe.

– **Uppsala:** An important religious and political center in Sweden, home to the Temple at Uppsala where major pagan rituals and sacrifices were conducted.

– **Borre:** Known for its large burial mounds, indicative of royal and noble burials, in Norway.

#### Western Europe

– **Dublin:** Established as a Viking settlement in Ireland, later becoming a major center for trade and raiding activities.

– **York (Jorvik):** In England, a prominent Viking settlement and trading city, showcasing Viking influence in Anglo-Saxon territories.

– **Lindisfarne:** An island off the northeast coast of England, famously raided by Vikings in 793 CE, marking the beginning of Viking raids in Europe.

– **Normandy:** In northern France, settled by Viking invaders who eventually integrated and formed the Duchy of Normandy.

#### Eastern Europe

– **Kiev:** Established by Viking traders and warriors as the capital of Kievan Rus’, influencing the early development of Ukraine.

– **Novgorod:** A key trading city in northern Russia, founded by Viking merchants along the Volkhov River.

#### Iceland and Greenland

– **Reykjavik:** Founded by Norse settlers in Iceland, one of the earliest settlements in the country.

– **Vinland:** Believed to be in Newfoundland, Canada, an area explored by Norse explorers and possibly settled temporarily around 1000 CE.

#### North Atlantic

– **Faroe Islands:** Settled by Vikings from Norway, known for their remote location and unique cultural heritage.

– **Orkney and Shetland Islands:** Located off the northern coast of Scotland, settled by Vikings and reflecting Norse influence in the British Isles.

#### Important Sites

– **Thingvellir:** A historical site in Iceland, where one of the oldest parliamentary assemblies, the Althing, was established in 930 CE.

– **Jelling:** In Denmark, known for its large burial mounds and runestones, marking the conversion of Denmark to Christianity under King Harald Bluetooth.

#### Trade Routes

– **Volga Trade Route:** Connected Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and the Abbasid Caliphate, facilitating trade in luxury goods and slaves.

– **Dnieper Trade Route:** Linked Scandinavia with the Black Sea region, allowing for trade and cultural exchange between Vikings and Eastern Europe.