Vikings: The History, Economy and Conquests of the Vikings, the Peoples of the North

"The Vikings" is a thorough and fascinating historical work that traces the events, myths, and legacy of one of the most dynamic and complex peoples of medieval history. Through a journey that begins in pre-Roman Scandinavia and culminates in the transformation of post-1066 Christian Europe, the book offers a comprehensive narrative of the Viking Age, analyzing the causes, methods, and consequences of their expansion with academic rigor but a narrative tone.

The work focuses on technological innovations, particularly the extraordinary naval prowess that made the Vikings the undisputed protagonists of trade and military routes between North and South, West and East. It analyzes the economic, climatic, and demographic factors that pushed them beyond the confines of their world, leading them to found settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and even North America, as well as to create powerful state structures such as Kievan Rus' and the Duchy of Normandy.

There are also chapters dedicated to Norse religion, sagas and myths, the transition to Christianity, and the social organization and political structures of the various Viking communities: Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes. The analysis is enriched with reflections on written sources and archaeological finds, offering the reader a multifaceted and documented vision that transcends the warmongering or romantic rhetoric with which this people has often been described.

Finally, the book explores the contemporary impact of Viking culture: from toponymy to legal systems, from cultural tourism to the enduring fascination of pop culture, which has transformed the ancient warriors of the North into protagonists of cinema, literature, and video games.

An indispensable work for anyone who wants to understand not only who the Vikings really were, but also how their legacy continues to shape the cultural identity of entire European nations.