The Rest Is History 148. The Vikings Go East
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Feb 7, 2022 Dive into the brutal legacy of Vikings in Eastern Europe and their unexpected role in shaping Russia and Ukraine. Explore the fierce nomadic tribes like the Pechenegs and Khazars, and their unique cultural practices. Discover the economic motivations behind Viking explorations, driven by trade routes and silver. Unearth the intriguing interactions between Vikings and Arab cultures, revealing a blend of trade and influence. Finally, ponder the complexities of Viking rituals and their journey from paganism to Christianity.
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Vikings in the East: An Overlooked History
- The Viking’s eastward expansion is often overlooked in favor of their western raids.
- Their impact on the East, including the formation of Russia and Ukraine, is significant and politically charged.
Harold Hardrada's Eastern Adventures
- Harold Hardrada’s life exemplifies the Viking’s eastern ventures.
- Before claiming the English throne, he traveled to Kyiv, Constantinople, and possibly even the Holy Land.
Eastward Expansion: Lure of Riches
- Vikings ventured east into Eurasia, a land they called Sweden the Great or Sweden the Cold.
- Driven by tales of riches, they navigated rivers to reach wealthy empires like the Caliphate and Byzantium.
