Today WhatifAltHist's Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg dive into the Vikings, the topic that got Rudyard into history in the first place. This discussion covers the misconceptions about the dark ages, the Vikings' significant reach, and their role in shaping history. They also highlight the Vikings’ legacy of establishing trade links and what how the society of the Vikings closely mirrors our own. Watch this Vikings episode accompanied by maps and illustrations on Rudyard's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommonGround-qg5oj

History 102 is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co

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RELATED PODCAST: If you dig History 102, we think you'll love Live Players with Samo Burja from Turpentine. Every week Samo and Erik dive into a key power player, institution, or company changing the course of history.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fbMTkHBnom1JIBWYNVBK1

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1718925188

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RECOMMENDED BOOKS & Links:

• A History of the Vikings 2nd Edition by Gwyn Jones
• The Vikings by Neil Oliver
• The Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson
• Mouse Utopia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDTVbourzU

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FOLLOW US ON X:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@turpentinemedia (Turpentine)

FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE:

Common Ground/ History 102 https://www.youtube.com/@CommonGround-qg5oj

WhatifAltHist [Main] https://www.youtube.com/@WhatifAltHist

Upstream with Erik Torenberg https://www.youtube.com/@UpstreamwithErikTorenberg

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:03) Introduction to History 102

(01:36) The Vikings and why they're the apex for YOLOs

(09:50) The Dark Ages and the Vikings - the seeds of our current society

(12:40) Could We Be in a Dark Age Now?

(13:52) Mouse Utopia is Akin to the Fall of Civilizations

(16:23) Interconnected and Self-Contained Civilizations During the Dark Ages

(18:38) The End of the Dark Ages and the Rise of Feudalism

(22:08) The Vikings Emerge (and how their social structure is similar to tech startups and venture capital)

(27:32) Civil Wars and the Formation of European monarchies

(30:54) Misconceptions and Underappreciated Aspects of Viking Culture

(34:35) The Fall of the Vikings and the Transition to the Middle Ages

(40:29) Two Reasons for the Conversion to Christianity

(43:34) What if the Vikings Ruled a Bit Longer?

(47:07) The YOLO nature of the Vikings

(52:52) The Vikings' Legacy and Their Impact on World History

(53:16) Upcoming topics of History 102 and book recommendations

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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