Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings summary
John Haywood
Brief summary
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings by John Haywood provides a comprehensive overview of the Viking Age, exploring their raids, trade routes, and settlements through detailed maps and insightful commentary.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Viking Age
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings by John Haywood takes us on a comprehensive journey through the Viking Age, a period spanning from the late eighth to early eleventh centuries. We start with an overview of the Viking homelands, the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and their geographical and climatic conditions that shaped the Viking way of life.
Haywood then delves into the early raids of the Vikings, examining their targets, tactics, and the impact of these raids on the societies they attacked. He also discusses the development of Viking ship technology, which allowed them to navigate rivers and seas with relative ease, expanding their reach and influence.
Scandinavian Expansion
The book then shifts its focus to the Viking expansion, which saw them establishing settlements in areas as far-flung as Russia, Iceland, Greenland, and even North America. Haywood uses detailed maps and illustrations to show the routes taken by the Vikings and the locations of their settlements, highlighting the extent of their influence during this period.
Haywood also examines the reasons behind these expansions, citing overpopulation, political instability, and the search for new resources as key motivators. He further explores the Viking trading networks, which were instrumental in the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture across vast distances.
Viking Society and Culture
The Historical Atlas of the Vikings takes a closer look at Viking society and culture, emphasizing their hierarchical social structure, religious beliefs, and legal systems. Haywood provides insights into the roles of men and women in Viking society, their domestic life, and the importance of storytelling and oral tradition in preserving their history and legends.
Furthermore, the book discusses the impact of Christianity on the Vikings, detailing the conversion process and the subsequent integration of Christian beliefs with traditional Norse mythology and practices.
Decline and Legacy
As we near the end of the Viking Age, Haywood examines the factors that led to the decline of the Viking influence, including the rise of powerful kingdoms in Europe, internal conflicts within Scandinavia, and the spread of Christianity, which undermined the traditional Viking way of life.
The book concludes with a discussion of the lasting legacy of the Vikings. Despite their reputation as ruthless raiders, Haywood emphasizes their contributions to European history, including their advancements in shipbuilding, exploration, and trade, which laid the groundwork for the development of medieval Europe.
Final Thoughts
In summary, The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings offers a comprehensive and visually engaging exploration of the Viking Age. Haywood skillfully combines historical accounts, archaeological evidence, and visual aids to provide a vivid portrayal of the Vikings and their impact on the world. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about this enigmatic group of people, this atlas is an excellent resource for understanding the fascinating world of the Vikings.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings about?
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings by John Haywood provides a comprehensive overview of the Viking Age. Through detailed maps, illustrations, and insightful commentary, the book explores the expansion of the Viking people, their raids and conquests, as well as their cultural and economic activities. It offers a fascinating glimpse into one of history's most intriguing civilizations.
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings Review
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (1995) explores the fascinating world of the Vikings and their impact on history. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- Featuring detailed maps and illustrations, it provides a visual understanding of the Viking expansion across Europe and beyond.
- With insightful commentary on Viking culture and society, readers gain a deep understanding of this complex civilization.
- The book's engaging storytelling of Viking raids, exploration, and settlement brings history to life and keeps the reader hooked.
Who should read The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings?
Readers who are interested in the history and culture of the Viking Age
Students and academics studying Norse history or archaeology
Travelers planning a trip to Viking historical sites in Scandinavia or beyond
Categories with The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
Book summaries like The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings FAQs
What is the main message of The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings?
The main message of The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings is to provide a comprehensive visual overview of Viking history.
How long does it take to read The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings?
Reading The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a much shorter time.
Is The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings is a valuable resource for understanding Viking history. It's worth reading for its detailed insights.
Who is the author of The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings?
The author of The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings is John Haywood.
What to read after The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley