The reign of the VikingsIn the early years of the Vikings, little history was recorded due to the polytheistic views they followed. After the Vikings converted to Christianity, written records were finally created regarding their existence. In Viking Warfare, IP Stephenson states that "the first recorded attack by the Vikings took place in AD 789" (11). The Vikings were also known as the Normans. They were great storytellers, and perhaps that is why society knows so much about them today. The stories told by the Normans were called Sagas. Today, the Vikings are often portrayed as murderous savages, but although they didn't raid villages, they were actually a fairly peaceful civilization. The Vikings played in three countries: Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Although it might seem like all the Vikings were on the same side, they were also arguing. Despite the fact that Viking battles were bloody and gruesome, they were also known to be the most hygienic of many previous civilizations. There wasn't a huge percentage of Vikings going on assault, but when they did, they had a huge impact on what the Vikings are known for today. The success of Viking warfare and raids relied primarily on the use of armor, weapons, long ships, and battle tactics. The armor the Vikings wore depended heavily on what they could provide themselves for protection. Social status was a major factor in the quality of a warrior's armor. One of the most important pieces of armor used by the Vikings was their shield. The most common type of shield used in Viking warfare was a round shield. There were other shields at this time, but the circular shield allowed the Vikings to move extremely easily. A...... middle of paper... among their enemies for their greater advantage. When Vikings sailed abroad to a new city, the mere sight of them would cause locals to flee in the opposite direction. Even with all the terror spread by the Vikings, they didn't stay there for very long. There are many other interesting life choices and aspects of the Vikings, but their unique war techniques and strategies are what they are best known for. Works Cited Cohat, Yves. The Vikings: Lords of the Seas. Trans. Ruth Daniel. New York: A Times Mirror Company, 1992. Print. Sprague, Martina. Nordic warfare: the unconventional combat strategies of the ancient Vikings. New York: Hippocrene, 2007. Print. Stephenson, IP Viking Warfare. Stoud, Gloucestershire: Amberley Pub, 2012. Print. What life was like when longships sailed: Vikings 800-1100 AD. Alexandria, Virginia: Time-Life, 1998. Print.