My anscestors

were interesting people, and I've learned quite a bit about them lately, through a set of books by Bernard Cornwell, and a series on the History Channel. The Vikings ruled the world for a few centuries, until about 1000 AD, when their leaders converted to Christianity, to the chagrin of the warriors, and to the joy of central Europeans, they gradually faded away. Not only warriors, but a warrior society, they had many skills. They were amazing ship builders who learned to use the stars and a compass to guide their voyages, and were the first to reach the new world. Their knowledge of metallurgy, and access to ore, gave them the best and strongest weapons. They used charcoal to create a hotter flame and wove different types of steel rod together, then forged them to form axes and blades that would break or cut through their enemy's swords, while they carried hardened limewood shields, rimmed with metal. They had SWAT (special weapons and tactics) teams, that employed the 'shield wall, or phalanx, that was impenetrable. They were extraordinary fisherman, who smoked and salted fish, good for long distance voyaging. The women wove wool to create warm clothing, that,when covered waterproof oiled leather, served them well on the cold ocean. It took 20 women, nearly a year, to create a sail for one of their dragon ships. The warriors were big and strong and not afraid to die. In fact, Valhalla, a heaven with women, ale and more fighting, awaited the warrior who died a valiant death, with his sword in hand. They wore high quality, lightweight, interlocking chain mail, along with metal helmets, to make themselves nearly 'bulletproof'. Viking, was originally a verb, to represent pillaging, and the pillagers were Norsemen, or Danes, which included all the Northmen. All in all, an interesting culture, who spread their blonde hair and blue eyes liberally throughout Europe.