Wikings, Danelaw, The Oseberg ship etc.

For those who are interested in Viking history there are some episodes from BBC on SVT Play (program is presented in English with Swedish text. Can only be seen in Sweden.

The first section is about the Viking roots - Where did they come from?

The second section focuses first on the Swedish Vikings voyages to the east and then on the Norwegian and Danish Vikings' voyages to the west.

• 51 min

Season 1 - Episode 1

Published Monday, August 17

Can be seen to August 24

Vikings are portrayed sometimes as murderous, marauding barbarians. But this series goes beyond the violent image of the Vikings and looks at how a people on the brink of destruction, managed to build a great empire. Where did they come from? How did they live? And what drove them on journeys of discovery? Part 1 of 3. Neil Oliver goes to Scandinavia to take a closer look at the Viking legend. Who were the Vikings' ancestors? And what marked the beginning of the Viking Age?

• Season 1 - Episode 2

Published Tuesday, August 18

Can be seen at August 25

Part 2 of 3. Neil Oliver goes to Russia, Turkey and Ireland. It was here that the Vikings' trading empire began with Chinese silk and slaves merchandise. Vikings are portrayed sometimes as a murderous, marauding barbarians. But this series goes beyond the violent image of the Vikings and looks at how a people on the brink of destruction, managed to build a great empire. Where did they come from? How did they live? And what drove them on journeys of discovery?

The third section (will be published August 19^th) deals with the end of the Viking Age - Can be seen to 26 August.

The programs are available at:

http://www.svtplay.se/vikingar