History of Vikings in Timeline

The Vikings, originating from Scandinavia between the late 8th and late 11th centuries, were seafaring people known for raiding, piracy, trade, and settlement across Europe. Their voyages extended to the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, Greenland, and Vinland. The Viking Age significantly influenced early medieval history, impacting the political and social evolution of regions like England and France. Notably, they established the foundation for Russia through Kievan Rus'.

1929: Last known record of Elfdalian Runes

In 1929, the last known record of the Elfdalian Runes, a variant of the Dalecarlian runes found in Dalarna, was documented, marking the end of runic inscriptions in Älvdalen.

1962: Marvel Comics superhero Thor created

In 1962, Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby created Thor, the Marvel Comics superhero based on the Norse god.

1962: Discovery of Viking ships in Roskilde Fjord

In 1962, the remains of the Viking ship Skuldelev 2 and four others were discovered during an excavation in the Roskilde Fjord.

1963: Release of "The Long Ships" film

In 1963, the film "The Long Ships", based on Frans Gunnar Bengtsson's novel of the same name, was released, contributing to the Viking Revival's influence on creative works.

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1993: Release of The Lost Vikings game

In 1993, the video game "The Lost Vikings" was released, showcasing Vikings as inspiration for video games.

1998: Snorri sails from Greenland to Newfoundland

In 1998, the Snorri, a Skuldelev I Knarr, was sailed from Greenland to Newfoundland.

2002: Release of Age of Mythology game

In 2002, the video game "Age of Mythology" was released, inspired by Viking culture and mythology.

2005: Tim Severin authors Viking novels

In 2005, British writer Tim Severin published a trilogy of novels about Thorgils Leifsson, a young Viking adventurer, contributing to the Viking influence in literature.

July 2007: Sea Stallion begins journey to Dublin

In July 2007, the reconstructed Viking ship Skuldelev 2, renamed Sea Stallion, began a journey from Roskilde to Dublin.

August 2007: Sea Stallion arrives in Dublin

In August 2007, the Sea Stallion arrived outside Dublin's Custom House after sailing from Roskilde.

2011: Release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim game

In 2011, "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim", an action role-playing video game heavily inspired by Viking culture, was released.

2011: Marvel Studios film Thor released

In 2011, the Marvel Studios film "Thor", featuring the superhero character, was released.

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2012: Thor appears in The Avengers film

In 2012, the character Thor appeared in the film "The Avengers" and its associated animated series.

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2013: Premiere of History Channel's series Vikings

In 2013, the History Channel's series "Vikings", directed by Michael Hirst, premiered, contributing to a resurgence of Vikings in popular media.

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2015: The Lost Vikings appear in Heroes of the Storm

In 2015, Erik the Swift, Baleog the Fierce, and Olaf the Stout from "The Lost Vikings" series appeared as playable heroes in "Heroes of the Storm".

2017: Release of For Honor game

In 2017, the video game "For Honor" was released, showcasing Vikings in a combat setting.

2019: Analysis suggests Viking warrior was Slav

In 2019, an analysis of a 10th-century grave of a female warrior in Denmark, previously thought to belong to a Viking, suggested that the woman may have been a Slav from present-day Poland.

2019: Archaeologists uncover Viking boat graves

In 2019, archaeologists uncovered two Viking boat graves in Gamla Uppsala, with one containing the remains of a man, a dog, and a horse, providing insights into Viking death rituals of the time.

2020: Release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla game

In 2020, "Assassin's Creed Valhalla" was released, focusing on the Viking invasion of Britain set in 873 AD.

2020: Analysis of Viking-era DNA shows relation to modern Scandinavians

In 2020, Margaryan et al. analyzed 442 Viking world individuals from various archaeological sites in Europe, finding them to be closely related to modern Scandinavians and demonstrating intermarriage with foreign women.

2020: Examination of elite warrior burial from Bodzia

In 2020, Margaryan et al. examined an elite warrior burial from Bodzia (Poland), dated to 1010–1020 AD, suggesting a link to the Prince of Kiev, Sviatopolk the Accursed.

2020: Skeletal remains from Salme ship burials analyzed

In 2020, Margaryan et al. examined the skeletal remains of 42 individuals from the Salme ship burials in Estonia, revealing that the warriors came from central Sweden.