Osprey Elite 3 : The Vikings

From the point at which they exploded into British history in the late-8th century, with the sacking of the church at Lindisfarne, the Vikings were to play a major role in the history of practically every nation from Ireland to Russia. The number of languages that have a word for the Vikings is testament to the adventurous spirit of these raiders from the sea; in Spain they were 'al-Madjus' ('heathen wizards') and in Byzantium 'Varangoi'. In addition to raiding everywhere from Norway to North Africa, they established the dukedom of Normandy, provided the Byzantine Emperors' bodyguard and landed on the shores of America 500 years before Columbus. Ian Heath transports us to the time of the Vikings examining their epic journeys and the ships they made them in, their methods of warfare - the organisation of their armies and tactics employed, their appearance and equipment and the general history of these warrior-explorers. The text is backed by many fine illustrations and photographs including 12 full colour plates by Angus McBride.

Contents

• Who were the Vikings?
• Viking Ships
• The Vikings Abroad
• The Vikings in England - 9th-10th Centuries
• The Vikings in Ireland - The Battle of Clontarf
• The Vikings in the East
• The Varangian Guard
• The Vikings in England - The 11th Century
• Viking Warfare
• Tactics
• The Jomsvikings
• Berserks and Wolfcoats
• The Raven Standard
• Further Reading